With its towering spire and unique collection of more than 1,000 roof bosses, Norwich Cathedral is one of the high-lights of any trip to East Anglia.

But sensitive visitors should probably avoid the 900-year-old building until its pest control methods have been dragged out of the Dark Ages.

Last week a pigeon was shot dead in full view of diners in the cathedral’s restaurant. A sniper was called in when the bird was spotted trapped in the rafters of the Refectory, an award-winning modern extension designed by the architect Sir Michael Hopkins.

The Dean of Norwich is now investigating. The Very Rev Graham Smith said: “I am not satisfied with the way in which this matter was handled and have therefore called for a thorough review of all cathedral procedures regarding pest control.”

Animal rights campaigners have condemned the cathedral’s administrators over the air rifle shooting, calling it a “crime against wildlife”.

Pigeon Campaigns UK, a welfare group, was tipped off about the shooting by a concerned diner who saw the incident. John Davison, a spokesman, said: “We are absolutely disgusted that a place of worship such as Norwich Cathedral could be responsible for such a heinous crime against our wildlife.

“Culling pigeons as a method of control has been scientifically proven not to work. Norwich Cathedral needs to think long and hard about its actions and do everything in its power to put things right and start using more humane and effective methods of controlling wildlife.”

Concerns have been raised over the past two years about the growing number of pigeons in the city. Families have been told that they could face action from Norwich City Council if they feed the birds.

More humane methods that have been suggested to control the city’s 2,500-strong pigeon population include telling the public to feed the birds only in specific areas, providing more dovecotes and pigeon-proofing buildings with special paints.

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