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SCMP Editorial

Feeding the birds has long been a pastime for many Hong Kong people and it might be thought to be a harmless activity. But the leaving of rice and bread in public places, attracting flocks of pigeons, has become a health hazard and a threat to the environment.
The same applies to the feeding of wild animals, such as monkeys and boars.
A new law, in place since August 1, is now being enforced. It imposes much tougher penalties for giving food to wild animals and expands the scope of the legislation to cover feral pigeons.
Spot fines of a hefty HK$5,000 (US$640), HK$2,000 more than for littering, are being issued and enforcement has been stepped up. The measures are welcome, acting as a deterrent while helping change public perceptions.

The feeding of pigeons contributes to a growth in their population and changes foraging and migration habits. A higher number also means more competition for resources among other species.
Public health also is put at risk, with pigeons in residential areas making the spread of disease more likely. In May, the public was warned not to feed them, among concerns about bird flu.
There is a need to curb such behaviour. Under the law, the maximum penalty for illicit feeding has risen tenfold to HK$100,000 and there is a potential one-year prison term for repeat offenders responsible for feeding many birds or animals.
The serious consequences make it all the more important to ensure the public is aware of the legal risks and the reasons why penalties have been imposed. Many of those feeding pigeons are elderly people who believe it brings them luck.
They might find out, very quickly, that the opposite is true. A campaign to promote the new law has seen street booths set up, banners placed in hotspots, posters, thematic websites, videos, talks and exhibitions.
But anecdotal evidence suggests there are still elderly who have no knowledge of the new legislation. Efforts to promote the law must, therefore, continue.
Hong Kong must preserve and protect the city’s wildlife while limiting the risks arising from human contact with birds and animals. The community needs to understand that feeding these creatures is not in the public interest.


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Hong Kong

Leave feeding to birds or risk nasty Hong Kong legal bite

A new Hong Kong law imposes tougher penalties for giving food to wild animals, including feral pigeons. Photo: Jelly Tse

Leaving rice and bread for pigeons in public places is a health hazard. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hongkonger fined HK$5,000 for feeding wild pigeons, some ignore ban as grace period ends

Offenders now face a fixed penalty of HK$5,000 for feeding feral pigeons. Photo: Dickson Lee

Feral pigeons enjoy a dip in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hongkongers caught feeding feral pigeons face on-the-spot HK$5,000 fine from Sunday

The government has said that feeding the feral birds threatens their survival because it alters their foraging habits. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong has 17 “black spots” where large gatherings of wild birds have raised environmental hygiene concerns. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong’s pigeon population drops in hotspots across city amid wildlife feeding ban

A banner is displayed warning people against feeding pigeons in Hong Kong. Photo: Sam Tsang

There are 17 “black spots” in Hong Kong where large gatherings of wild birds have raised environmental hygiene concerns. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong plans to ban feeding feral pigeons in August. The Post breaks down what you need to know about the legal change

Hong Kong will ban pigeon feeding on August 1. Photo: Jelly Tse

Pigeons that are domesticated or granted with a special permit will be exempted from the ban. Photo: Edmond So

Offenders will be subject to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and a year in jail. Photo: Elson Li

Opinion

Fearing the spread of disease, city has stepped up issuing spot fines to those who offer titbits to pigeons and wild animals


Fearing the spread of disease, city has stepped up issuing spot fines to those who offer titbits to pigeons and wild animals.


Hong Kong environmental issues

Animals

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

Editorial | Leave feeding to birds or risk nasty Hong Kong legal bite

Fearing the spread of disease, city has stepped up issuing spot fines to those who offer titbits to pigeons and wild animals