jailers said inmates are using pigeon carcasses for smuggling contraband.

live pigeons can carry lice and diseases such as histoplasmosis and encephalitis.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=58781

Arpaio wants to reduce jail birds the feathered kind By Mike Branom, Tribune February 9, 2006

Tent City is a jailhouse, not a birdhouse, says Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Citing security and health concerns, Arpaio is taking steps to reduce the pigeon population at the detention center.

This is one time when I encourage inhabitants of Tent City to fly the coop, Arpaio said in a statement. Im saying to the birds the same thing I always tell the inmates once released, dont ever come back!

Recently, jailers acknowledged that some of the facilitys 1,000 inmates are using pigeon carcasses as receptacles for smuggling contraband.

Also, live pigeons can carry lice and diseases such as histoplasmosis and encephalitis.

Eschewing a violent although legal end, Arpaio is employing humane means of bird removal.

Inmates are trapping the birds for release in a distant part of the county.

And now in effect: A ban on bird feeding, which had been an issue among Tent Citys female inmates.

Women are the caretakers of the world, Arpaio said. But in this case, being nice to these birds by feeding them is causing a big problem.

Eventually, Arpaio hopes to install fake owls, hoping pigeons will be fooled by the imitation predators, and a system to bombard the birds with unpleasant noises.

Contact Mike Branom by email, or phone (480) 898-6536