NEW YORK (AP) - Pigeons in New York City may have to get the food while they can.

A city councilman has proposed to ban pigeon feeding and impose a $1,000 fine on people who illegally fatten the birds. He says the birds produce an average of 25 pounds of droppings each year. The councilman also issued a report outlining other potential solutions to the pigeon problem.

New York isn't the only city with a pigeon problem. London's mayor has banned pigeon feeding in Trafalgar Square, closed down the official feed vendors there, and sent hawks to infiltrate and scare the lingering pigeons. Los Angeles has begun a trial use of pigeon birth control, and in Basel, Switzerland, pigeon populations have been reduced by an approach that includes stealing their eggs.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has not endorsed a pigeon-feeding ban, but at a separate news conference today sounded open to the idea of curbing their food supply.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Date published: 11/12/2007