In order to regulate the pigeon population in Mainz, the birds are cared for in supervised dovecotes and their eggs are replaced with dummies. The pigeons are given species-appropriate grain feed, water, and medical care. The pigeons spend most of the day in their loft, where they breed. This significantly reduces the nuisance and pollution caused by pigeons begging for food, searching for food, and breeding in the wild.

There are currently five supervised pigeon lofts in Mainz. The establishment of further lofts is to be examined in the future.

In addition to the pigeon lofts, several wild breeding sites are also looked after in Mainz, where the eggs are replaced. Volunteers from the Stadttaubenhilfe Mainz/Wiesbaden e.V. (Mainz/Wiesbaden City Pigeon Aid Association) check these sites weekly to prevent the birds from breeding uncontrollably. Breeding sites that cannot be looked after are closed off in accordance with animal welfare regulations wherever possible.

If you discover wild pigeon nests with eggs or chicks, please report this to Stadttaubenhilfe Mainz & Wiesbaden e.V. on 01777447645. Nests with eggs or chicks must not simply be removed, not even by a pest controller, as killing pigeons is a criminal offense.

According to Section 2 (1) No. 8 of the City of Mainz's Hazard Prevention Ordinance, feeding pigeons on public streets and in public parks is prohibited. Please do not feed the animals old bread or food scraps of any kind, as this makes the pigeons sick and attracts rats. Feeding the pigeons in this way lures them away from their lofts, which makes it difficult for them to return. In addition, large flocks of pigeons can form, which can be a major nuisance for residents and passers-by.