feral bird problem.

Harry Soares said within two weeks he would have an action plan to tackle the problem of chickens, pigeons and ducks causing a nuisance.

He said residents could rest assured that the buck would stop with him and residents plagued by noisy chickens eating their plants, disease-spreading pigeons or ducks paddling on their land, would see results.

Responding to an editorial in yesterday's Royal Gazette , he said: "I want to assure the public that we have it under control -- it is time for action.'' Previously Mr. Soares said there was some debate as to which Government department the problem fell under, but he was now taking responsibility for it.

He said his first task as Environment Minister would be to formulate a plan for the feral issue.

"I really understand the terrible damage that is done by chickens on farmers' crops, some farmers have lost whole fields,'' he said.

"They have enough trouble with night farmers and the elements -- I am going to help them with the chicken problem.'' Officials at the Environment department have already begun working on a plan and within two weeks Mr. Soares expects to announce the result of their work.

ANIMALS ALS ENVIRONMENT ENV