3 Things Crackdown on pigeon feeding, calls for bull fighting, and cow vigilantism
Aug 14, 2025
Alind Chauhan from The Indian Express sheds light on Mumbai's crackdown on pigeon feeding, discussing health risks and the backlash from the Jain community. Pavneet Singh Chhada dives into the controversial push for legalizing bull fighting in Goa, examining its deep cultural roots and the enforcement issues surrounding this secretive practice. The conversation also touches on ongoing protests in Maharashtra against cow vigilantes, revealing the tensions between community rights and animal welfare.
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Pigeon Feeding Threatens Health And Buildings
- Pigeon feeding has become a public-health and infrastructure concern in Mumbai due to rising pigeon numbers and acidic droppings.
- Doctors warn inhaled pigeon dust and feathers can cause serious lung diseases like bird fancier's lung and fungal infections.
Biology Explains Pigeons' Urban Resilience
- Pigeons are resilient because they produce crop milk and need minimal nesting material, allowing high reproduction even in scarce conditions.
- Urban waste and building ledges mimic cliff habitats, sustaining pigeon populations in cities.
Vendors And Devotees Keep Feeding Rituals
- Alind Chauhan observed people from many religions buying pigeon feed as a morning ritual and bringing large bags to feed birds.
- Vendors said they rely on selling feed for decades and worry crackdowns will cut their livelihood.