Defensive measure at last

Pigeon infestation at school became a health risk

Now a pigeon repellent net has finally been installed.(Bild: Liste Fritz)

Handrails and access ramps had become unusable for pupils and the city of Innsbruck had been paralyzed for years in discussions about animal welfare. Now a solution has finally been found.

Pigeon droppings on the grounds of the Innsbruck Music Middle School and Olympic Village Middle School had been a source of annoyance and horror for years - for pupils and their parents, but also for sports clubs that held tournaments in the local hall. The reason was a pigeon loft in the roof of the secondary school. Attempts to relocate it to the nearby industrial estate were unsuccessful: The animals stayed.

There was imminent danger. The escape route was simply not safe to use.

Liste-Fritz-Parteichefin Andrea Haselwanter-Schneider

Local inspection confirmed worst fears
"We received reports and complaints from concerned citizens about catastrophic conditions," reports Liste Fritz leader Andrea Haselwanter-Schneider: "A site inspection confirmed the worst fears. The escape route was completely covered in pigeon droppings and the handrails were also completely filthy. That's why we reacted immediately and submitted a motion to the local council to support the two schools, the children, teachers and parents," says the Fritz party leader.

Massive cleaning work was necessary on the school grounds.(Bild: Liste Fritz)

Multiple indications of problems
This apparently prompted the city government to take action - "after months, as the two schools had repeatedly pointed out the dangerous situation and made several representations to those responsible".

Terrace renovated at a cost of millions of euros unusable
But apparently it took pressure from the opposition "for something to finally happen. As a result of our intervention, the sensitive area was cleaned and a pigeon net was installed during the semester break, as we had requested. Actually, the city should have taken action years ago." Especially because it renovated a terrace for two million euros so that it could be used as an outdoor classroom. But the pigeons have successfully prevented this - until now!