For three years, a trial operation will be conducted… 200,000 won for the first violation, 1 million won for the third.

From now on, if caught feeding pigeons in public places within Seoul, you may face a fine of up to 1 million won.

The Seoul city government announced in April that 38 locations, including urban parks and the Han River Park, have been designated as ‘areas prohibited for feeding harmful wildlife,’ and that a three-year trial operation began on the previous day (1st).

According to current law, harmful wildlife refers to animals that cause damage due to high population density, including pigeons, pheasants, roe deer, wild boars, sparrows, and crows. The city plans to focus on clampdowns against the habitual practice of feeding pigeons in large quantities, using things like bags of rice.

If caught feeding harmful wildlife in prohibited areas, fines of 200,000 won for the first violation, 500,000 won for the second violation, and 1 million won for the third violation will be imposed.

Complaints about pigeons have doubled in three years.

According to the city government, complaints related to pigeons increased from 667 in 2020 to 1,432 in 2023, more than doubling in three years. A city official explained, “Excessive feeding has led to a dramatic increase in population, causing serious issues with droppings and hygiene."

Meanwhile, animal protection organizations strongly opposed the city’s measures, calling it a "life-disregarding notion to starve pigeons to death."

There are also concerns that without access to food, pigeons may tear open food waste bags in urban areas or cause more hygiene problems by scattering feathers.

Image source: Reference photos for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank, Reference photos for understanding the article / photo=Insight