Police probe culling of 100 pigeons at Manchester station over animal welfare concerns.

Police are investigating the culling of nearly 100 pigeons at Manchester Victoria station in late 2025, after reports of injured birds, including one requiring amputation and another with a pellet lodged in its neck. The operation, carried out by Ecolab on behalf of Northern Trains, was halted after public backlash and concerns over animal welfare. Northern Trains said the cull was a last resort due to health and safety risks from pigeon droppings, but has since ended all culling and is reviewing footage. British Transport Police are examining whether the killings violated animal welfare laws, as pigeons and their nests are protected under UK law.