The City of Dauphin is taking a new approach to its downtown pigeon problem by using birth control instead of traditional culling. The three-year pilot program, announced on June 25, 2026, aims to gradually reduce the number of birds through humane fertility control methods, while also cleaning up the mess they leave behind.
Deputy City Manager Lisa Gaudet said the initiative comes after years of complaints from business owners and residents about pigeon droppings on sidewalks, buildings, and signs. “We’ve received an increasing number of concerns from downtown businesses and residents over the past several years regarding pigeon activity,” Gaudet said. “Council felt it was important to take a proactive approach before the issue became more significant.”
The program, which was approved as part of the 2026 financial plan, will roll out in two phases. First, pest control company Orkin Canada will trap and remove some of the birds. Then, three automated feeding stations will be installed on downtown rooftops to dispense OvoControl pellets, a contraceptive that prevents pigeon eggs from being fertilized, so they do not hatch. The population is expected to decline naturally over time as older birds die without being replaced by new ones.
Gaudet noted the city does not have an exact count of its pigeon population, but said the goal is not to eliminate the birds entirely. “Our objective is to manage the population at a level that reduces nuisance issues, protects public infrastructure and improves cleanliness in the downtown area while using a humane and sustainable approach,” she explained.
The shift to fertility control aligns with Dauphin’s broader commitment to animal welfare. The city’s Animal Services Bylaw, which took effect January 1, 2025, already includes provisions for trap-neuter-return programs for feral cats and strict cruelty prohibitions. This pigeon program extends that philosophy to wildlife management, steering clear of lethal methods that have proven ineffective elsewhere.
Residents and visitors can expect to see changes in the downtown area over the summer and fall, though the most noticeable results will likely take a few breeding cycles to appear. The city plans to monitor the program closely throughout the three-year trial.
