A Canterbury group is learning to free pigeons from tangled feet
Canterbury and Thanet Stringfoot Pigeons trained this month to remove string and hair from city birds without taking them from their flock.
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A volunteer group in east Kent is learning how to take string, thread, hair, and hair extensions off pigeons' feet. The BBC reported on October 22, 2026, that Canterbury and Thanet Stringfoot Pigeons was trained this month by a London specialist.
Founder Philippa Taylor told the BBC that the loops tighten until toes can die and fall off. The usual method is to destring the bird where it is, with a manicure kit and thread picks, so it can stay with its flock instead of being carried away. Co-founder Ruth McDermott said the group is working with Kent Coast Volunteering.
The training is a new skill for local volunteers. It is not a claim that every pigeon in Canterbury or Thanet is now safe, or that the litter which causes the injuries has stopped.
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