Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on summons issued for pigeon feeding offences

May 8, 2019

Mr Lim Biow Chuan: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) in the past three years, how many summons have been issued to offenders who feed pigeons; and (b) what other measures can the Ministry introduce to deter the feeding of pigeons.

Answer:

Over the past three years, 682 enforcement notices were issued for pigeon feeding offences. NParks takes measures to deter the feeding of pigeons, including installing cameras and conducting surveillance at identified feeding hotspots. NParks also works with Town Councils to put up notices to ask for information about feeding activities, so as to carry out enforcement operations in a more targeted manner.

Public education is also an important strategy. NParks, NEA and the Town Councils work together to educate residents about the environmental health and hygiene issues caused by pigeon feeding. This is done through advisories, posters and outreach events. Agencies are also working with the Municipal Services Office to develop targeted public education messages and materials. The community and grassroots leaders can also help to spread the message.

To reduce the availability of food sources for pigeons, the NEA ensures good food waste management in food centres and coffee shops in HDB estates, and enforces against littering. Residents can and should also play their part by helping to maintain the overall cleanliness of their estates.