Housewife Lynn Ling and her 4-year-old daughter, Annmarie, walk through Victoria Park every afternoon on their way home from school. Annmarie likes to share her snacks, like rice crackers, with the pigeons they see.
But Annmarie’s actions could soon have serious consequences. The Hong Kong government is considering a proposal to increase the penalties for feeding wild animals and feral pigeons. The maximum punishment could be a HK$100,000 (US$12,750) fine or a year in prison.
Ling is shocked by the proposal. “I didn’t know feeding birds was illegal,” she says. “I thought it was just a way for my daughter to get in touch with nature.”
Animal rights activists and public policy experts are also critical of the proposal. They say the increase in penalties is too harsh and will not be effective in deterring people from feeding wild animals.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) says the proposal is necessary to protect public health and safety. The department says feeding wild animals can attract other animals, such as monkeys and wild boars, and can also lead to the spread of disease.
However, critics say the AFCD has not provided any evidence to support these claims. They also say the proposal is unfair to people who simply want to feed the birds.
The proposal is still under consideration and it is not clear if it will be passed into law. If it is passed, it will go into effect on January 1, 2024.
In the meantime, people who want to feed wild animals should be aware of the potential consequences. They should also be aware of the alternatives to feeding wild animals, such as donating to animal shelters or volunteering at wildlife rehabilitation centres.
What do you think about the proposal to increase the penalties for feeding wild animals?