Pigeon feeding has been banned in Singapore since 1970 under the Animals and Birds Act. Anyone caught feeding the birds can be fined up to $500. This law was enacted to curb the growing pigeon population in the country, which was causing numerous problems.
In the 1960s, Singapore’s pigeon population exploded, reaching an estimated 20,000 birds. As the numbers grew, complaints about noise, droppings and hygiene issues also increased. Pigeons were flocking at popular spots like tourist attractions and hawker centers, causing nuisance and posing a public health risk.
To understand why pigeon feeding was banned, we must first look at how the pigeons became so populous in the first place. We will also examine the problems caused by their overpopulation, and why stopping feeding was seen as the solution.
How did pigeons become overpopulated in Singapore?
Singapore’s pigeon boom has its roots in the 1950s and 60s when the country began rapidly developing and urbanizing. High-rise public and private housing estates sprouted up all over the island. These buildings provided ideal roosting and nesting spots for pigeons.
At the same time, food became abundant for the birds. Hawker centers serving affordable cooked food operated day and night, providing easy pickings for pigeons. More food waste was also discarded as incomes rose, supporting larger pigeon populations.
Additionally, well-meaning people started feeding pigeons at popular gathering spots like tourist attractions and parks. The constant supply of food from multiple sources allowed the pigeon numbers to grow exponentially within a short period.
Within two decades, Singapore was home to world record pigeon densities of over 800 birds per hectare in some areas. For comparison, normal pigeon densities range from 15 to 30 per hectare.
Problems caused by the overpopulation
The sheer number of pigeons in Singapore led to numerous issues:
Noise pollution
Pigeon flocks are noisy with their cooing and flapping sounds. This constant noise from thousands of birds was disruptive, especially near housing areas where they roosted.
Droppings and hygiene issues
Pigeon droppings are unsightly and dirty. They also contain microbes harmful to human health. Tonnes of droppings accumulated at nesting and roosting sites, as well as food centers. This raised cleanliness issues and disease risks, especially for hawkers and residents living in affected areas.
Damage to infrastructure
Pigeon droppings are acidic and corroded building infrastructure like drain pipes and air conditioner ledges. Nests blocking ventilation shafts also caused fire hazards.
Public nuisance
Large pigeon flocks would crowd popular public spaces like tourist sites and shopping belts. Their noise, droppings and feathers created a nuisance for visitors and businesses in those areas.
Risk to aircraft
Pigeons got into flight paths and posed a bird strike risk to planes at Seletar and Paya Lebar airports.
Loss of biodiversity
An overpopulation of pigeons crowded out other birds and animal species. Their droppings and nesting materials also rendered building ledges unsuitable for other nesting birds.
Health risks
Pigeon droppings contain fungal diseases like histoplasmosis that can infect humans through inhalation. Bird mites and ticks can also bite humans. Pigeons are also reservoirs of over 50 human pathogens. With pigeons in large numbers, interacting closely with people, the health risks were significant.
Why was banning feeding implemented as the solution?
Faced with growing complaints from the public and businesses, the authorities had to act swiftly and decisively. Culling the pigeons was considered too slow, expensive and unsustainable.
Banning the feeding of pigeons was identified as the most effective solution for several reasons:
Remove food source
Pigeons are grain eaters that rely on discarded food and handouts in urban environments. Banning feeding cuts off this food supply and causes numbers to decline over time as attrition sets in. Fines deter would-be feeders.
Allows natural control
With feeding stopped, natural population control mechanisms like shortage of food, nesting and roosting spaces and diseases come into play. This brings numbers down to more natural densities.
Changed human behavior
Banning feeding modified public behavior and attitudes towards pigeons over time. People no longer see feeding as acceptable. This prevents future feeding and population explosions.
Low cost
Simply passing and enforcing a law against feeding was very cost effective compared to culling or creating bird deterrents on infrastructure. No major investments needed.
Sustainable
Banning feeding is a permanent solution unlike culling where pigeon numbers would rebound. As long as the law stays, it remains effective at controlling numbers.
Humane
The pigeon population declines gradually over time through attrition. No mass culling is done, so it is a more humane solution.
The feeding ban proved to be a highly successful policy. Within 5 years, Singapore’s pigeon population plunged to just 5000 birds. Pigeon problems reduced dramatically, improving cleanliness, reducing noise, and cutting health risks. The ban continues till today to keep pigeon numbers in check.
Other control measures also implemented
While banning feeding was the key strategy, the authorities did take other steps to help control the pigeon population:
Removal of nests/eggs from HDB estates
HDB appoints contractors to destroy pigeon nests and eggs on public housing. This discourages nesting and breeding.
Investigations on feeding hotspots
NParks investigates public areas with feeding activities and takes action on irresponsible feeders. Fines are issued to deter feeding.
Education
The public, especially students, are educated why feeding wildlife like pigeons is harmful and illegal. This discourages feeding in the long run.
Deterrents
Spikes, nets and slope modification are installed at pigeon hotspots to deter roosting and nesting. This denies them space to breed.
Removal of food sources
Leftover food and litter are cleared more promptly at hawker centers so there is less for the pigeons to feed on.
Is pigeon feeding still banned today?
Yes, feeding pigeons continues to be banned in Singapore today. The law is still in force as the Animals and Birds Act. Anyone caught feeding pigeons can be fined $500 under the Act.
NParks officers and police still conduct enforcement checks and investigations islandwide on public tip-offs about pigeon feeding blackspots. Hawkers found feeding pigeons at food centers also face action.
The ban has remained critical to controlling Singapore’s pigeon population at healthy levels and preventing another population explosion. Responsible agencies like NParks continue to educate the public against feeding, while taking action against offenders.
Conclusion
In summary, pigeon feeding was banned in 1970 after numbers exploded out of control due to ample food and nesting grounds in rapidly developing Singapore. Their excessive numbers caused public nuisance, noise, droppings, infrastructure damage, potential health risks and safety hazards.
Banning feeding was a low cost, effective and humane solution that successfully cut food sources and allowed natural forces to stabilize pigeon densities. The law continues till today to maintain healthy pigeon populations in Singapore and prevent associated problems from recurring. Public education and enforcement remain key to ensuring the feeding ban stays effective.