A very widespread practice can actually cost a lot of money in fines and be a danger to birds.
There are animal species that are now accustomed to cohabiting with humans. Urban areas have become so large that some animals have been forced to adapt to them and have found ways to feed themselves more easily than if they were left completely to their own devices. This is the case for certain birds, notably sparrows and pigeons, which are now an integral part of the landscape in cities. Voluntarily feeding these species has become a sort of habit or even a hobby for some people. A practice which reinforces the presence of these birds in places inhabited by humans.
This reality also concerns non-urban areas. For some, ducks and other wild birds represent an opportunity to get rid of stale bread in an environmentally friendly way. While others like to install shelters dedicated to passing birds, where they place food in the hope of attracting them and observing them regularly. But in certain municipalities, these practices can be punishable by a fine.
Before feeding your neighborhood birds there are two questions you should find out about first. The first is to check that the municipality does not prohibit this practice. This is the case for example in Yvelines, in Mantes-la-Jolie, where the town has chosen to introduce a fine to combat the proliferation of pigeons. Thus, feeding pigeons in this municipality is punishable by a fine of 68 euros. The municipality has warned its residents that this penalty can even amount to 180 euros. According to Le Figaro, the Paris town hall also applies this fine of 68 euros. These municipalities are not the only ones to apply such a measure.
In the Loire department, the town of Roanne has also decided to impose fines on the feeding of birds. This is to combat the strong presence of pigeons but also against that of stray cats. The fine can go up to 450 euros for residents who feed these birds. Le Figaro indicates that a fine of 100 euros has already been issued to a resident of Dijon who did not respect this ban. The prefectures of other departments such as Sarthe and the North have already issued decrees on this subject and as Le Figaro specifies. Departmental health regulations often stipulate that “it is prohibited to throw or place seeds or food in all public places to attract stray, wild or reverted animals, in particular cats and pigeons”.
The other reason why feeding birds is prohibited in many communities is the health of these animals. Birds have a very specific diet which is essentially composed of seeds; insects or berries. Commercially available fat balls are safe for these animals, but this is not the case for bread or pastries. These foods are often given to ducks, geese and other wild birds but are not suitable for their diet. This practice also contributes to reducing the autonomy of these wild species and therefore disrupting the proper functioning of ecosystems.