Trapped pigeons rescued by three emergency vehicles All three pigeons were eventually rescued by the firemen who used their bare hands and canvas bags to bring the birds to safety. Local residents questioned the emergency services" decision to send so many people to the scene. Jeweller John Welsh, 63, told the Daily Mail: "I was shocked. At first I thought that there was a major fire. Two fire engines and a police car? For three pigeons? I am an animal lover to a certain degree, but pigeons are actually classed as vermin. Would you rescue a rat? Neil Savage said: "It was disgraceful for three pigeons. The bus timetables were disrupted and the RSPCA were attending. It must have cost a fortune. A spokesman for County Durham and Darlington Fire Service claimed the crews responded to stop members of the public trying to rescue the birds themselves. The RSPCA confirmed that the pigeons were all uninjured and immediately released.