Lawyer warns Aussies over $30,000 fine for pigeon-feeding
While feeding a pigeon a piece of bread seems like a harmless act, in two Australian states it could cost you a staggering $30,000 in fines.
It is not uncommon for local councils in Western Australia or South Australia to issue infringements for feeding pigeons, with Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh warning Aussies of the potential fine "when a complaint is made — quite often neighbours will take videos and photos of the number of pigeons and the person feeding them."
If the behaviour is repeated, local council may even issue a court attendance notice, Singh told Yahoo News.
The lawyer explained that the SA legislation "was enacted to protect communities from local nuisance" and prevent littering.
"There is an emphasis by the South Australian parliament on protecting property values and this legislation is one of the tools they can use to prevent behaviour that can negatively affect this," he said.
While the fine isn't as high in the WA, the offence can cost an incredible $20,000.
Feeding pigeons poses health risks, as pigeons can carry diseases that may be transmitted to humans and other animals such as respiratory infections and parasites.
The act also encourages larger congregations of birds, increasing the risk of diseases spreading, and the overpopulation of pigeons can disrupt local ecosystems as they compete with native bird species for resources.
Not only that, large flocks of pigeons can create a public nuisance by causing noise, dirt, and property damage, particularly through their corrosive droppings, which can damage buildings and infrastructure.
"It's definitely one of Australia's strangest laws, and one that while it may be annoying for other people passing by or trying to relax, it's not something people think they can get in trouble with the law for," Singh said.
Image: Reddit