Harsher penalties for breaking ban on feeding feral pigeons

Rachael Ng

A new ban on feeding feral pigeons took effect in Hong Kong yesterday. The revised policy imposes harsher penalties to reduce the feeding of wild animals and address associated nuisances and sanitary issues to maintain ecological balance.

Under the new regulations, people caught feeding pigeons face a maximum penalty of a HK$100,000 fine and up to one year of imprisonment.

Additionally, an HK$5,000 fixed-penalty notice will be issued on the spot to those found feeding pigeons.

Enforcement officers from various government departments, including the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Housing Department, and Leisure and Cultural Services Department, are empowered to enforce the law on both public and private premises.

The authorities have stated that until August 31, enforcers will only issue verbal warnings. After this grace period, immediate enforcement will be taken without prior warning.

The revision of the policy aims to address issues such as pigeons disturbing residential areas, leaving behind feathers, and potentially transmitting viruses.

In recent years, the feeding action has disturbed residential areas by attracting pigeons to forage and gather, causing environmental sanitation problems such as leaving behind feathers and transmitting viruses.

Some citizens have expressed concerns about the risks of feral pigeons, with one woman, surnamed Yeung, saying: "I am quite scared of the birds potentially pecking or defecating on me, and staining my clothes."

Another woman, Wong, said: "I think the revised ban will have a deterrent effect when the fine is increased to HK$5,000."

Lawmakers have also called for more public education and awareness campaigns, particularly targeting tourists.

"I know that some citizens are still unclear about the new policy. The authorities should do more publicity, and we believe that the public needs time to learn about the change," said DAB lawmaker Stanley Li Sai-wing.

"We also recommend that the government increase publicity at ports of entry and tourist attractions to prevent tourists from violating the law."

To promote the revised law, government officials and a local lawmaker held an outreach event at Hang Hau Station yesterday, informing the public about the changes.

The authorities have said that citizens can report any observed feeding behaviors, and they will utilize technology to help monitor and enforce the new policies.