Starting September 1, 2024, residents of Hong Kong who are caught feeding feral pigeons will face an immediate on-the-spot fine of HK$5,000 (approximately US$641) without prior verbal warnings. This new regulation follows a one-month grace period after amendments to the Wildlife Protection Ordinance were gazetted on August 1, 2024. The maximum penalty for breaches has significantly increased to HK$100,000, along with the possibility of a one-year prison term for serious violations. Enforcement will be carried out by multiple departments, including the police and environmental hygiene officials [56ead489].
The rationale behind this strict enforcement is rooted in public health and environmental concerns. Feeding feral birds not only threatens their survival but also raises hygiene issues in 17 identified "black spots" across the city, with Sham Shui Po being the most affected area. In response to the new law, public education efforts have been initiated to explain the reasons behind the ban and its implications for wildlife and community health [56ead489].
This development in Hong Kong comes amid a broader discussion about the management of urban wildlife, including pigeons. Recently, a viral incident in Sydney saw pigeons feasting on bird food in a Woolworths supermarket, which sparked amusement among the public. However, it also highlighted the challenges of managing feral bird populations in urban settings [d9ad26a9]. Woolworths has emphasized its commitment to food safety in light of such incidents, while the Hong Kong government aims to mitigate similar issues through stricter regulations [56ead489].