Caerphilly Observer
Member Sign in Manage Membership
Become a Member - no ads
Menu
  • News
    • Senedd
    • Business
    • Newport
    • Opinion
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership & Subscriptions
  • Notices
  • Obituaries
  • About
    • Advertise
  • Sponsored Content
Menu

Caerphilly Castle pigeon cull suspension to continue

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 10:03, Thursday October 10th, 2019.

Caerphilly Castle

Welsh Government body Cadw has announced the pigeon cull suspension at Caerphilly Castle will continue.

The body, responsible for maintaining historic monuments in Wales, was heavily criticised in May after birds, some of which had recently been released by Caerphilly Bird Rescue, were shot by its contractors on the castle grounds.

After the incident, Cadw suspended the cull.

A Cadw spokesman said an independent review of feral pigeon management had taken place.

He said: “This recommends that the pigeon population is carefully monitored and if any increase is identified then localised proofing measures, such as installing spikes or the use of wire mesh to block up holes in walls, will continue.”

Carol Gravenor of Caerphilly Bird Rescue said she was “over the moon” with the announcement.

Mrs Gravenor said: “This is amazing news. I’m just glad it’s gone the full length. It’s a big win for us and the support we’ve had is amazing.

“These killings were so unnecessary. Cadw wouldn’t have taken notice if it wasn’t for people standing up.”

Wayne David MP said: “I am glad that Cadw is not, at least in the immediate future, going to pursue a policy of culling pigeons.

“It is now important to make sure that this is the permanent policy of Cadw. Public pressure must be maintained.”

Hefin David AM also welcomed the news, saying: “The important thing now is to ensure that this becomes permanent and that other, more humane practices, are adopted.

“I will continue to put pressure on Welsh Government.”

Cllr Lindsay Whittle said he was “delighted” with the news.

He said: “This is good news all around. There was no need for the cull.

“It’s terrible for humans to decide which animals live or die.

“Why don’t Cadw make this permanent?”

Caerphilly Media

Latest News

  • Senedd stock image
    The Senedd Commission: What is it and what does it do?Friday, May 22, 2026
  • Gwent Police officer
    18-year-old driver dies in Caerphilly crashFriday, May 22, 2026
  • 36 Penallta Road, Ystrad Mynach, pictured in June 2025
    Second bid lodged to convert ‘disused’ office into five-bed HMOFriday, May 22, 2026
  • Aerial view of the skatepark and the proposed development site (marked roughly in yellow) at Wern Park, Nelson
    Thumbs up for new ‘pumptrack’ at skate parkFriday, May 22, 2026
  • How the development on Rhymney's former Aldi site could look
    Developer wants more time to plan 23 homes on former Aldi siteFriday, May 22, 2026
  • A Household Recycling Centre in Caerphilly County Borough
    Fly-tipping ‘crisis’ linked to tougher rules on waste and recyclingFriday, May 22, 2026

Find out how the communities of Caerphilly County Borough get their names

Caerphilly

Legal & Public Notices

  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, May 14, 2026
  • Notice of application for a premises licence: Fferm GelliThursday, May 14, 2026
  • Notice of claim to land, TrethomasThursday, April 16, 2026
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, April 16, 2026
© 2009-2026 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community Watford Road Caerphilly, CF83 1BJ. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.