Is it an offence to feed stray pigeons in Singapore? Under the AVA (Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore) Animals and Birds (Pigeons) Rule;
Rule 10 states that "No person shall feed stray pigeons in any premises or public place".
Offences : Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with Rule 10 shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500.
The above video shows that the people there have been feeding the stray pigeons thus resulted in such a blg flock of pigeons daily. I'm surprised that this is just located besides the Kampong Glam Neighbourhood Police Post.
I'm even more surprised when I went into that Kampong Glam NPP on 24 Dec 2007 4.54pm and feedback to the SSG officer on desk duty, and he said he was not aware of the pigeons besides his NPP. Though this is not under their purview as mentioned by the SSG on duty, but it's not difficult for them to feedback to the relevant authority and have it under check since it's just besides their post. Only upon my insistence, the officer offer to feedback to the relevant authority.
So besides it's an offence to do so, what so bad about feeding of stray pigeons?
1. The droppings of pigeons pose a health threat to the people.
2. Pigeon droppings contain uric acid that actually eats into the surface it drops on. Painted surfaces, canvas awnings, signs and other similar surfaces pose the most risk.
3. This is the most important : Dried bird droppings can contain many fungal and viral diseases. Histoplasmosis, Encephalitis, Meningitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, and Salmonella are just a few of the common viral and bacterial diseases that have been associated with bird droppings.
Remember the Salmonella Disease happended recently in Singapore : Prima Deli and Sentosa Golf Club case as reported in the media.
So don't think that by feeding the stray pigeons, you are been kind to them. In fact you are doing the community a disservice and by doing so, you are making the pigeons to loose its ability to hunt for food in the wild.
The above video and photo were taken on : 24 Dec 2007 (Mon), 4.54pm
3 comments:
THANK YOU FOR THIS BLOG ENTRY! Ah, I am so frustrated with people who think feeding bans are cold hearted. You hit the nail on the head. Feeding hurts the birds (and people) long-term. Kudos!
HI Avianmaven,
Frankly I don't see much enforcement action being done on this issue by the relevant authority. Still many ppl are feeding such stray birds even just besides the NPP.
I am sure that is true. Even in places like New York and Chicago that are just now trying to create feeding bans in public places, enforcement is bad before they even start. Authorities, in order to get these bleeding hearts off their back, are already saying that they will basically warn people without actual punishment. Still, even having a law helps a little, if only to raise awareness. If it creates a discussion where people are totally affronted by the idea, it gives smarties like us the chance to educate them, right? Anyway, I have a blog too and I'd love if you'd check it out. I just recently wrote an entry about the feeding bans in NY and Chicago. Maybe it will interest you.
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