Author: Val Adams
Venice is to ban the feeding of pigeons on San Marco Piazza. The move follows damage caused by bird droppings on the city's most famous landmark. Venice City Council hopes to end the pigeon menace by cutting off the food supply, mainly from bird seed vending stalls on the square.
Venice authorities maybe prepared to compensate those affected by the ban. Families have had bird seed stalls on the square for generations and licensed vendors oppose the plan.
They insisted on compensation or permission to set up souvenir stalls in the square, which draws millions of tourists each year.
There are thought to be about 120,000 pigeons in Venice, double the human population. Since 1997, feeding pigeons is punishable by a fine of 500 euro except in San Marco Square.
As well as causing damage with their droppings, the birds also bring with them parasites and bacteria that can cause allergies and other ailments.