A 67-year-old man in Singapore has been fined S$4,800 (US$3,600) after repeatedly feeding pigeons in an area where it is prohibited, according to local media reports. The man, identified as V. Rajandran, violated four laws under Singapore’s Wildlife Act, leading to the issuance of the fine. In addition, twelve other charges were taken into account during the sentencing. Rajandran paid the fine in full, avoiding a potential jail sentence of 16 days.
The court heard that Rajandran was observed feeding pigeons in the Aljunied Crescent area on August 26, 2022. Despite being warned about the local laws prohibiting such actions, Rajandran continued to feed the birds on 15 additional occasions, with the final incident occurring in December 2022. He reportedly spent around S$20 to S$30 (US$15 to US$20) on bread to feed the wild birds, as well as using leftover rice. It was also disclosed during the trial that Rajandran had previously been fined for the same offense in both 2018 and 2020.
In addition to the fine for feeding pigeons, Rajandran was also issued a separate financial penalty of S$3,700 (US$2,780) earlier on the same day for littering. The repeated violations and littering indicate a disregard for Singapore’s environmental regulations.
Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) and National Parks Board (NParks) have stated that rock pigeons are an invasive species that are not native to Singapore. They compete with local species and their droppings contribute to environmental pollution and discomfort, such as soiling clothes. The agencies emphasized the importance of not feeding these birds and properly disposing of food scraps to reduce the proliferation of the pigeon population. NParks has taken a science-based approach to managing the rock pigeon population, focusing on removing human-based food sources and implementing measures to predict their foraging and roosting patterns.
Between February 2021 and March 2023, NParks has issued warnings or fines to over 270 individuals for bird-feeding. This indicates the seriousness with which the government is addressing this issue and underscores the importance of compliance with wildlife protection laws.
During the court proceedings, Rajandran chose not to be represented by a legal team and declined to make a statement when asked if he had any comments for the court. His silence suggests a lack of remorse or understanding of the consequences of his actions.
By imposing these fines and penalties, the Singaporean authorities aim to discourage individuals from feeding pigeons and promote responsible behavior towards the environment. It serves as a reminder to the general public that disregarding wildlife protection laws and littering can have financial and legal consequences.
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