NParks looking into case of woman who won't stop feeding birds in Yishun
The National Parks Board (NParks) is aware of feedback on the feeding of pigeons at Block 465B Yishun Avenue 6 and is looking into the matter, it told Stomp in a statement on Oct 22.
Its response comes after Sept 3 and Oct 15 reports about a woman who was caught feeding birds in the estate on multiple occasions.
Mr How Choon Beng, group director of wildlife management at NParks, said: "We have been working with Nee Soon Town Council to manage pest bird populations and advise residents against the feeding of birds, while sharing about the implications of these actions on public hygiene and health.
NParks will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action against errant pigeon feeders, said Mr How.
He further noted that rock pigeons are a non-native species in Singapore whose flocking and roosting behaviour can result in soiling and hygiene issues.
Mr How added: "To safeguard public health and minimise dis-amenities, Town Councils and agencies take a science- and community-based approach to managing the pigeon population, comprising measures such as food source reduction, habitat modification, and population control.
"NParks conducts studies to understand the ecology of the birds, such as their roosting patterns and movements.
"The public can help to reduce the population growth of pigeons by not feeding them and ensuring that food scraps are properly disposed of."
Under the Wildlife Act, offenders can be fined up to $5,000 for their first offence of feeding any wild animal, including pigeons, and up to $10,000 for subsequent offences.
Mr How said NParks monitors feedback on illegal bird feeding and undertakes active enforcement, which includes physical surveillance and the deployment of CCTV cameras at identified feeding hotspots.
"Managing the pigeon population requires the efforts of multiple agencies and town councils. This includes reducing human-generated food sources, such as by tackling high rise littering and managing waste at food establishments and bin centres," he added.
"NParks also reaches out to members of the community such as students through outreach talks in schools, and the elderly via the 'Our Avian Neighbours' initiative which aims to raise awareness among the elderly on the negative impacts of bird feeding.
"Under this initiative, which was launched in July 2023, NParks collaborates with Active Ageing Centres to organise engagement sessions comprising a talk on common urban birds and the negative impacts of bird feeding, and these messages are emphasised through educational games, and the distribution of collaterals."
