The Veterinary and Animal Breeding Department of Ulaanbaatar conducted a disinfection and sterilization of Gandantegchinlen Monastery on Wednesday, as the area is a place for the gathering of a large pigeon population that visitors feed by hand.

Conditions at the monastery pose a threat to safe public hygiene as the bird droppings create a mess and complaints have been made. Several Ulaanbaatar city agencies have also reported that the large pigeon population disturbs power lines.

The disinfection and sterilization of the city's historical site of was conducted by the Veterinary and Animal Breeding Department of the capital city, in collaboration with the monastery, and Bayangol District Police Department I.

A disinfectant that is not harmful to people and animals was used to make the area more pleasant for public use.

Authorities suggest that visitors to Gandantegchinlen Monastery do not feed the pigeons, to preserve the historical and cultural site and prevent possible electrical fires.