Brussels’ Unsung Heroes: L’Arche de Biso Battles Overwhelming Demand to Save City Pigeons

A dedicated group of volunteers in Brussels is facing a mounting crisis as their efforts to rescue injured and sick city pigeons are being stretched to the breaking point. L’Arche de Biso, a Brussels-based non-profit, rescues over 400 pigeons annually, yet its 20 active volunteers are struggling to cope with the relentless workload and are issuing an urgent plea for more assistance. Unlike traditional wildlife rescue centres, L’Arche de Biso is the sole sanctuary for these often-overlooked urban birds, a situation exacerbated by the fact that city pigeons are not officially classified as wild animals, hindering their access to established protective services.

The Unseen Plight of the Urban Pigeon

City pigeons, often dismissed as "rats of the sky," are in fact facing significant threats in urban environments. From the hazards of traffic and pollution to accidental injuries and abandonment, these birds require specialized care that is not readily available through conventional animal welfare channels. L’Arche de Biso steps into this void, providing a vital lifeline for thousands of these feathered residents of Brussels.

The organization’s existence, though only two years old, has highlighted a critical gap in animal rescue services. While larger, more established organizations like the Royal Belgian Society for the Protection of Birds (LRBPO) focus on species classified as "wild animals," city pigeons fall into a legal grey area. "City pigeons aren’t registered as wild animals, but as ‘domesticated’," explains Eva Eysermans, a dedicated volunteer at L’Arche de Biso. "That’s why you can’t bring them in, whereas you can with wood pigeons, for example." This classification means that injured or ailing city pigeons are often left to fend for themselves, with no official body mandated to intervene.

A Call for Help: Overwhelmed Volunteers and Growing Demands

The daily reality for L’Arche de Biso’s volunteers is a constant barrage of calls and messages reporting distressed pigeons. During peak periods, the group’s communication channels, primarily a dedicated Facebook page, can see as many as four or five alerts per day. These notifications require immediate attention, often involving volunteers travelling to collect the birds, provide initial first aid, and then find suitable temporary care.

"The problem is that we don’t have enough volunteers," states Eysermans. "Many people simply ring to ask if we can come and collect one." This reliance on volunteers to undertake all aspects of rescue, from notification to collection and rehabilitation, places an immense burden on a small team. The volunteers themselves are not paid and receive no government subsidies, meaning the entire operation is funded through donations and the personal finances of those involved.

Pascale Ritschard, another volunteer based in Auderghem, currently houses 14 pigeons in her home, a number she admits is "a bit too many," but one she cannot refuse. Since joining the organization in June of the previous year, Ritschard has personally overseen the care of 97 pigeons. The financial strain is considerable, with volunteers often covering the costs of medication and food out of their own pockets. In more severe cases, veterinary intervention is necessary, adding another layer of financial pressure. "I don’t even dare to say what it costs me," Ritschard admits, highlighting the personal sacrifice involved.

The Backbone of the Operation: Home-Based Rehabilitation

The core of L’Arche de Biso’s rescue efforts relies on its volunteers’ willingness to open their homes to injured birds. These volunteers are trained to provide basic veterinary care, including splinting broken legs and bandaging injured wings. For pigeons requiring more intensive rehabilitation, they are taken in by volunteers who act as temporary foster families.

This system, while effective in providing immediate care, is reaching its capacity. The sheer volume of birds needing sanctuary means that foster homes are often full, and volunteers are stretched thin. The emotional and physical toll of constantly caring for sick and injured animals, coupled with the financial burden, is becoming unsustainable.

In a recent appeal on their Facebook page, L’Arche de Biso articulated the severity of their situation: "At this rate, we’ll be exhausted, both physically and mentally. In practical terms, we’re calling for solidarity. Helping out now and then would make a huge difference."

Diverse Ways to Contribute: Beyond Bird Collection

The organization has outlined several ways in which the public can contribute to their cause, emphasizing that direct intervention is far more effective than simply reporting a bird’s location. While collecting birds is a crucial first step, the demand for transport and initial assessment is high. The appeal highlights that individuals can significantly alleviate the burden by:

• Providing Temporary Foster Care: Taking in injured pigeons to relieve pressure on existing foster families. This involves providing a safe space, food, water, and basic care as instructed by the experienced volunteers.
• Directly Transporting Pigeons: Instead of merely reporting a pigeon’s location and requesting collection, concerned citizens are encouraged to bring injured birds directly to a designated volunteer’s home or a pre-arranged meeting point. This saves valuable travel time and resources for the limited volunteer pool.
• Donations: Financial contributions are essential for purchasing much-needed medicines, food, and veterinary supplies. L’Arche de Biso operates entirely on donations, making every contribution vital to their survival.
• Spreading Awareness: Educating others about the plight of city pigeons and the work of L’Arche de Biso can help to recruit new volunteers and increase public support.

Challenging Perceptions: The "Rats of the Sky" Stigma

A significant hurdle for L’Arche de Biso is the prevalent negative perception of city pigeons. Often labeled as "rats of the sky," these birds are viewed by many as vermin rather than creatures deserving of compassion. This stigma discourages potential volunteers and can even lead to a lack of empathy from the general public.

Eva Eysermans is a passionate advocate for challenging these misconceptions. She highlights the inherent nature of pigeons: "Pigeons are actually very sweet and clean animals: just like cats, they spend the whole day preening themselves. In the morning, you simply need to give them food and water and sometimes administer medication. They really don’t require much work and they don’t smell." This firsthand experience contrasts sharply with the common, often unfounded, negative stereotypes.

The practical reality of caring for pigeons, as described by Eysermans, is far less demanding than many might imagine. Their hygiene and relatively low maintenance needs are often overlooked due to the widespread negative portrayal. This misinformation directly impacts the number of people willing to step forward and offer help.

A Vision for the Future: Dedicated Pigeon Sanctuaries

Looking ahead, L’Arche de Biso harbors ambitions for a more structured and sustainable approach to pigeon welfare. The volunteers express a strong desire to establish a fully-fledged rescue centre specifically for city pigeons. Such a facility would provide a dedicated space for rehabilitation and care, reducing the reliance on individual volunteers’ homes.

Furthermore, there is a pressing need for a dedicated space to care for young chicks that have fallen from their nests. These vulnerable birds require extended periods of care before they are ready for release. "They’re too young to be released straight away, so we could really do with a place – preferably free of charge – to build aviaries where we can look after them for a longer period," explains Ritschard. This would allow for specialized care for young birds, increasing their survival rates and reducing the burden on existing foster families.

The current reliance on a decentralized, volunteer-driven model, while commendable, is not a long-term solution for the growing number of pigeons in need. The establishment of a dedicated centre would not only streamline rescue efforts but also provide a more professional and consistent level of care, ensuring that these often-maligned urban dwellers receive the attention and support they deserve. The future of L’Arche de Biso and the well-being of Brussels’ city pigeon population hinges on increased public support, volunteer recruitment, and potentially, a strategic shift towards more formalized infrastructure. The urgent plea from Brussels’ pigeon rescuers is a call to recognize the value of these creatures and to extend compassion to all urban inhabitants, regardless of their species or perceived status.