Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on pigeon nuisance in housing estates

Jul 8, 2019

Mr Liang Eng Hwa: To ask the Minister for National Development 

(a) whether the pigeon nuisance at the housing estates has worsened;

(b) whether the additional measures taken by NParks and NEA to step up surveillance, education and enforcement have been effective in reducing pigeon feeding; and

(c) whether there is a need for a concerted multi-agency effort to significantly reduce pigeon feeding.

Answer:

Pigeons, like other birds, are attracted to places where food is easily available. NParks has been working closely with government agencies and Town Councils on measures to reduce pigeon feeding, which can attract pigeons and cause them to breed quickly. For instance, NParks monitors pigeon feeding hotspots and works with the Town Councils to carry out targeted enforcement operations. NParks also raises public awareness against pigeon feeding via advisories, posters and outreach events. NEA works with food centres and coffee shops in HDB estates to ensure proper food waste management and to enforce against littering.

To address pigeon feeding issues comprehensively, we need concerted efforts not just by government agencies and Town Councils, but also grassroots leaders and residents. One good example is the High-Rise Littering Pigeon Feeding pilot programme in Yio Chu Kang last year. This involved not only multiple government agencies, but also grassroots leaders who played an integral role in persuading potential pigeon feeders to change their behaviour, and encouraging residents to help educate the local community. The pilot demonstrated how an active and engaged community can help to deliver positive outcomes.

Agencies are studying how the insights gained from the pilot can be scaled up, starting with the development of more targeted public education messages and materials to change the behaviour of pigeon feeders.