Pigeons... make wacky list

Tales of unusual abound in Valley

By Alfredo Azula
Staff Writer
The Arizona Republic/THE PHOENIX GAZETTE
Thursday, December 29, 1993

Whoever said there's nothing new under the sun couldn't have read the newspaper in 1993. The Valley provided readers with several stories that defied the routine.

OFF THE WALL

The following were voted by the Phoenix Community staff as the most off-the wall stories of the year.

Recently, a suggestion to rid the Madison Street Jail of pigeons by putting out poisoned perches drew poor marks from Maricopa County supervisors who don't want to kill the downtown dwelling birds.

But Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Assistant County Manager Jack Shomenta say the birds must go.

"They're a health hazard and a mess," Shomenta said. He said the pigeons carry parasites and diseases. The controversy is expected to rage into l994.
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