Is It Illegal To Feed Pigeons In London?

While it is not against the law to feed pigeons in the UK, councils do have the capacity to pass their own laws where pigeon populations have become a pest.

Can you be fined for feeding pigeons UK?

There are no laws the Council can use to stop people feeding birds. However, if a large amount of rotting food accumulates, or the feeding is attracting rats or mice, the Council may be able to help. If the feeding is simply causing nuisance from droppings etc., it is a private matter between neighbours.

Can you get into trouble for feeding pigeons?

Unless there’s a specific by-law (or the council have got an order against you) feeding pigeons is not illegal.

Where in London you can feed the pigeons?

Save the Trafalgar Square Pigeons

Founded 2000, London, England, United Kingdom
Focus Environmentalism
Area served Trafalgar Square, London
Method Lobbying, feeding pigeons

How can I stop my Neighbour feeding pigeons?

There is nothing that you can directly do to stop the feeding of the pigeons except having a discussion with the neighbour or consider contacting your landlord or their landlord if you know or share the same tenancy manager.

Is eating pigeon legal UK?

It would not be illegal to eat it, so long as the individual could prove that they had not killed it and had discovered it dead,” Ms Gill adds.

Can you free feed pigeons?

Even when your pigeons are domesticated, you must only feed them in their cages and not outside of their abode, this will reduce their chances of accessing your roof, since they are used to eating in their bowls or troughs , inside their cages.

Can I complain about my Neighbour feeding birds?

From what I understand Environmental Health do have the power to intervene first with a polite letter or if it goes unheeded (which isn’t the case with you ) they can take court action if by feeding the birds you are causing nuisance or health issues.

Can you feed birds in London?

(b) distribute any feeding stuff for birds. It has been illegal to feed the birds in the main square of Trafalgar since 2003 – but protesters continued to feed the hungry pigeons on its northern terrace where it wasn’t banned.

Is it OK to feed pigeons in your garden?

This is why it is generally discouraged when it comes to feeding pigeons in public. You can, however leave food out for the pigeons that visit your garden. If you have a bird feeder or bird table pigeons will naturally gravitate towards them and you should have no problem getting them to feed in your garden.

Can you be fined for feeding pigeons?

‘ and another on ‘feeding of birds prohibited’) under Section 235 of the Local Government Act 1972. Any person offending against either byelaw is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale, currently £500.00.

Are pigeons protected in London?

All wild birds, including pigeons, their nests and eggs, are protected by law. It is an offence, except under licence, to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird, to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird, and to intentionally take or destroy the eggs of any wild bird.

Can you still feed pigeons in Trafalgar Square?

The number of pigeons in Trafalgar Square continued to rise until 2003 when the then Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, banned feeding them. According to the law, feeding feral pigeons anywhere in the perimeter of Trafalgar Square is forbidden.

Why should you not feed pigeons?

Feeding pigeons creates unnaturally large pigeon populations, and overcrowding can cause disease outbreaks in humans and other wild birds. Keeping a food source around your home for feral pigeons should be discouraged.

How do I get rid of pigeons ASAP?

Tips for Getting Rid of Pigeons
Remove or secure any potential food sources, such as trash cans or compost receptacles. Apply bird spikes, netting, and reflective tape or shock strips, and set up a faux owl or hawk figure near the spot they frequent most.

What can I do with Neighbour feeding birds?

If your neighbour won’t agree to stop and you are affected by the presence of the birds, your local National Parks & Wildlife Service office may be able to advise on how to tackle this problem.
Get help

  • Bird.
  • Rescue and rehabilitation.
  • Animals and plants.
  • Animals and plants.
  • Native animals.
  • Living with native animals.

Can I shoot pigeons in my garden UK 2022?

The lethal control (killing) of pigeons, seagulls and other wild birds in the UK is legislated by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), courtesy of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Chapter 69), which effectively reports that it is illegal to kill or injure any wild bird, including pigeons

What is pigeon meat called?

Squab
Squab is the culinary term for a young pigeon, usually around four weeks old, that is raised for eating. Squab has been eaten in Europe and Africa for centuries.

Are pigeons classed as vermin UK?

Unfortunately for pigeons, they fit into all of these categories – meaning they are indeed considered vermin. You can’t walk down a high street in the UK without seeing multiple pigeons prowling around and searching for food – so they definitely appear commonly.

What can you feed pigeons on the street?

Pigeons are generally herbivores but they will eat insects, snails and worms when they need to. Urban pigeons will happily munch on breadcrumbs, popcorn, biscuits, chips, rice, pasta, fish and pet food – pretty much anything that humans leave behind.

Can you feed pigeons in parks?

It shall be unlawful for any person to feed, or cause to be fed, pigeons on any public property, or on any property open to the public.