Pigeons are constantly and senselessly exterminated, shot, and tortured in huge numbers. One wonders if such cruelty would be so prevalent if pigeons could cry out loudly when purposely subjected to such excruciating pain. See Jimmy Smits quote in answer number 9, above. Pigeons are uniquely adapted to life in the city. In many urban areas, children would not have contact with or appreciation of any wildlife were it not for pigeons.
Pigeons are benign residents.
In fact, they lose their very lives to sustain endangered Peregrine Falcons, hawks, and other predators which would find it difficult, if not impossible, to survive without them. In a world of high technology, sometimes the lowest technology is still the most successful. Monet, Matisse, and Picasso all loved pigeons. A pigeon loft still exists in Monet's garden. The next time you tip a glass of fine champagne, enjoy a bit of the essence of pigeon.