Pigeon care group helps birds with stringfoot

A group has formed in East Kent to help pigeons suffering from a problem that can irreparably damage their feet.

Stringfoot happens to nest-building pigeons whose feet have become entangled with foreign matter discarded by the human population of towns and cities.

Canterbury and Thanet Stringfoot Pigeons recently started to help affected pigeons by destringing them humanely.

Founder Philippa Taylor explains that discarded string, thread, hair and hair extensions "gets wrapped around pigeons feet and causes great pain, their toes start to die and then sometimes fall off - it's a horrible condition."

The Canterbury and Thanet group had training this month from a London-based pigeon stringfoot specialist and are now using their skills in the local area.

"It takes some practise," says Taylor, "but using some normal tools like a manicure kit, thread arm pickers, it's possible to catch the pigeons with some practise and remove in situ so we usually don't have to remove the pigeon from their flock."

Pigeons were first domesticated 5,000 years ago and their strong homing instinct led to widespread use as messengers, including during wartime.

In the 20th Century, 32 pigeons were awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal, also referred to as the animals Victoria Cross, to honour the work of animals in World War II.

However, the birds have since acquired a reputation as pests and co-founder of the pigeon stringfoot group, Ruth McDermott, wants to see that changed.

"There's so much misinformation about pigeons out there that they're flying rats and that they're dirty and none of that's true," she said.

"They're such intelligent creatures - we domesticated them, they served us well during the wars and then we just completely abandoned them, which is why they need the kindness and for us to come out and care for them."

McDermott is encouraging other animal lovers to join them in helping the birds through a partnership with Kent Coast Volunteering.

"I've been learning how to de-string a pigeon, how to handle pigeons and care for them.

"That is exactly what volunteering is all about. It's about learning new skills, connecting with your community, giving back.

"If you want to make a change, you've got to be the change you want to see in the world so that's why I started it."

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