Home Animals Authorities Cracks Down on Illegal Feeding of Wild Animals and Feral Pigeons

Authorities Cracks Down on Illegal Feeding of Wild Animals and Feral Pigeons

No Illegal Feeding of Wild Animals and Feral Pigeons

The Hong Kong government is ramping up enforcement efforts to combat the growing problem of illegal feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons, issuing 39 fixed penalty notices over the past two months.

The newly amended Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, which came into effect on August 1st, expands the prohibition on feeding wild animals to include feral pigeons as well.

Between the start of August and just yesterday, officials from the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) and other relevant departments have handed out the fixed penalty notices at various locations known for previous instances of illegal feeding. These include the Yuen Long Nullah, the area around the Hang Hau MTR station, and the Kam Shan and Lion Rock Country Parks.

Of the 39 offenders cited, 19 were for feeding monkeys, 16 were for feeding feral pigeons or other wild birds, and 4 were for feeding wild pigs.

“Feeding wild animals, even inadvertently, can disrupt their natural foraging behaviors and lead to increased human-wildlife conflicts,” said an AFCD spokesperson. “It’s important that the public understands the dangers and refrains from this practice.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected illegal feeding activities by calling the government’s 1823 hotline.

The crackdown comes as Hong Kong continues to grapple with the balance between urban development and preserving its rich natural environment and wildlife populations. Authorities hope the stricter enforcement and penalties will help curb the problematic practice.