By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Firefighters have been praised after rescuing a trapped young pigeon from a rundown property in Gloucester city centre yesterday (Thursday, October 8).
The trapped bird, which has since been named Mabel, was stuck inside a building in Westgate Street.
Winged Wheels, a pigeon rescue and sanctuary in the county, thanked the fire service for their efforts.
They said in a post online that sadly another trapped pigeon was found dead inside the property.
“But Mabel, named by the fire service, is now with us,” they said.
“Mabel is very, very thin, probably one of the skinniest pigeons we have ever admitted. Due to malnourishment and age they are unable to fly well and had a less than graceful landing.
“Luckily, aside from the weight, Mabel seems like a healthy (and loud!) pigeon. So fingers crossed they put on some weight and make it back to their parents soon.”
They also thanked residents who brought the issue to their attention.
Westgate Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD) said: “I would like to thank both Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and the local charity Winged Wheels for their prompt and compassionate response in safely freeing a pigeon that had become trapped inside the rundown property in Westgate Street.
“Thankfully, the bird was able to be rescued, but the incident is a reminder that neglected and poorly maintained buildings can have unintended consequences for animals as well as people.
“I hope this serves as a reminder to landlords of the importance of keeping properties secure and well maintained, so that incidents like this can be prevented wherever possible.
“There are far too many dilapidated buildings across the city where these sorts of incidents can occur, and fortunately on this occasion, this bird was set free.”
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 2.24pm on Thursday, October 8, to an incident where there was a trapped pigeon in a property in Westgate Street, Gloucester.
“One fire engine, from Gloucester South, attended and was able to rescue the pigeon. The stop message was received at 3.01pm.”