PARIS (Reuters) -It's a familiar sight in French cities: pigeons with mangled feet and missing toes. But one woman in Paris is on a mission to save the pigeons from their plight. Contrary to the
Meet the Pigeon Doctor of Paris: A Mission to Heal Injured Birds
Catherine Hervais: A Champion for Pigeons
PARIS (Reuters) -It's a familiar sight in French cities: pigeons with mangled feet and missing toes. But one woman in Paris is on a mission to save the pigeons from their plight.
Understanding Pigeon Injuries
Contrary to the common belief that the pigeons are harmed by their own dirt or disease, scientists say the problem stems from debris such as threads and human hair getting tangled around their limbs and cutting off the blood supply. The condition, known as "stringfoot," can leave pigeons missing toes or even whole feet.
Daily Rescue Efforts
Each day, Frenchwoman Catherine Hervais goes to a square near the Pompidou Centre in central Paris to help stricken birds. She lures injured pigeons with seeds, then carefully removes any harmful debris from around their feet with scissors and tweezers.
Methods of Care
"What I want to avoid is having too many of them with atrophied legs in my neighbourhood," Hervais said. "It affects me, of course, but we can't change the world. So I do what I can and help when I can."
Community Impact
(Reporting by Manuel Ausloos; writing by Elizabeth Howcroft, editing by Richard Lough)
