PETA India has found itself in the center of a social media storm after organizing a protest in Mumbai. The demonstration, where participants wore large pigeon masks, was part of PETA’s campaign to urge Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to reverse an order banning the feeding of pigeons. The animal rights organization stated that the health risks associated with pigeons are “exaggerated.”
PETA India’s Defense
In a statement released on social media, PETA India cited an RTI response from Mumbai’s three largest civic hospitals. According to the response, only 0.3% of respiratory illness cases in 2024 were linked to pigeon exposure. The organization also highlighted international research suggesting that the risk of disease transmission from pigeons to humans is very low, even for those in regular contact with them. PETA India also noted that pigeons possess natural resistance to bird flu.
PETA India also outlined “practical steps” it has proposed to the government to manage pigeon populations and associated concerns. These include designating specific feeding times and locations at “kabutarkhanas” (pigeon shelters), ensuring regular cleaning and sanitation at these sites, and implementing multilingual public education campaigns on proper feeding practices and the minimal health risks.
The Protest and Public Reaction
The protest itself involved individuals wearing oversized pigeon masks while going about daily activities, aiming to visually represent pigeons and their place in the city. PETA India shared a video of the demonstration with the caption, “Mumbai’s skies wouldn’t be the same without pigeons. With feeding bans, these gentle birds face starvation. Human Mumbaikars turned into ‘pigeons’ to remind everyone pigeons belong here too.”
However, the organization’s statement and protest failed to quell the public’s criticism. Social media users expressed concerns about pigeons transmitting diseases such as cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, and psittacosis through their droppings. Many referred to pigeons as “flying rats” and argued that large populations significantly impact public health, particularly respiratory health. Some users criticized animal rights activists for not considering the broader impact on the country, emphasizing the perceived health hazards posed by pigeon populations.