Over 350 birds culled since 2022

The vast majority were killed in one day 

Over 350 birds have been culled on the Island since 2022, with the vast majority killed as a prevention measure against bird flu. 

A freedom of information request has outlined how many birds have been killed by or for the Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture. 

Approximately 300 of the birds were culled in one day to control avian influenza, those chickens were killed by 'manual neck dislocation' on 29 December 2022. 

Another 50 to 55 of the birds were killed between 16 and 18 January 2022, also for disease prevention reasons. 

These included 14 geese and 11 ducks, of which eight were shot by a DEFA officer alongside 25 to 30 feral chickens. 

The other birds were all killed by lethal injection for reasons including disease prevention and welfare reasons.

While detailing these killings, the department said it does not have a record for the number of chickens removed from St John's Arboretum, but it could say the birds had been 'humanely dispatched' as part of its population management approach.

It added: "The reason for this population management was complaints received from local residents regarding the presence of the birds."

The response to the FoI added that the issues raised by residents include noise disruption and chickens entering their property.

It did however acknowledge: "Most visitors regard the birds as an important and well-loved feature of the Arboretum, and DEFA recognises the positive contribution they make to the character of the site."

The department's response also asks visitors not to feed the birds as it can 'contribute to animal welfare, environmental and public amenity issues' and asked people not to abandon their fowl there.