The Government has stated ‘it is not illegal to feed wild animals’ in response to a petition aimed at preventing local councils from imposing fines on people who feed pigeons and gulls.
The petition, started by blogger Jason Endfield, has been gaining support on social media and encourages local authorities to change their attitude towards wild birds, calling for the establishment of urban feeding areas in towns and cities where people can feed wildlife without fear of being slapped with a fine for ‘anti social’ behaviour.
The statement from DEFRA also says that, while councils do have some powers to impose restrictions based on local bye-laws, anybody who is served with a penalty can challenge the local council if they feel it is unfair and, if required, can take the matter to the local government ombudsman.
This news is being welcomed by all those citizens who enjoy feeding birds in towns and cities, many of whom say that they feel threatened by the prospect of being fined merely for showing compassion to urban wildlife.
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Jason Endfield
