TfL remove bird netting!

Transport for London: Remove Bird Netting at Northfields Station!

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Letter

Dear Transport for London Management,

I am writing in deep concern about the bird netting currently installed at Northfields Underground Station, and to demand its immediate and permanent removal.

Northfields Station operated for many years without any bird netting in place, and it was not needed. There is no justification for its installation now, and its presence poses a serious and ongoing risk to the welfare of local wildlife.

Bird netting, when poorly maintained or improperly installed, becomes a deadly trap. Birds become ensnared, unable to free themselves, and face slow, agonising deaths from exhaustion, dehydration, and starvation. This is not a deterrent. It is a source of prolonged animal suffering, and it is entirely avoidable.

Of particular concern is the recent incident in which gulls became trapped in the netting at Northfields Station. Under current guidance, birds caught in netting must be released within 25 hours. These gulls were not rescued for several days, a serious and inexcusable failure. Furthermore, the responsibility for freeing trapped birds lies with the installers of the netting. Instead, a wildlife rescue organisation was forced to intervene, whilst TfL was already aware that the birds were trapped and suffering. This is simply unacceptable.

This incident constitutes potential breaches of both the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Allowing wild birds to remain trapped and suffering for days, in full knowledge of the situation, and failing to take responsibility for their release, is not only a moral failure. It may be a criminal one.

Transport for London has a responsibility not only to its passengers, but to the communities and environments in which it operates. Allowing inhumane bird control methods to remain in place on public infrastructure, and failing to act when animals are known to be suffering, is entirely unacceptable.

I therefore demand the following:

1) The bird netting at Northfields Station must be removed immediately and must not be replaced. This method of control is cruel, unnecessary, and has no place on a public building.

2) TfL must take full accountability for the suffering caused by this incident, and must ensure that going forward, any trapped animals are dealt with immediately and by the appropriate responsible parties, not left to local rescues to handle.

3) TfL must contact Humane Wildlife Solutions, a specialist company that provides effective, humane alternatives to lethal and inhumane bird control methods. They do not use traps, poisons, or any method that causes suffering, and can advise on appropriate deterrents that are both effective and ethical.

Northfields Station managed perfectly well without netting before, and it can do so again, humanely. I urge Transport for London to act swiftly, remove the netting, and commit to a humane and lawful approach going forward.

I expect prompt action and a formal response confirming the steps being taken.

Sincerely,

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Transport for London: Remove Bird Netting at Northfields Station!

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