HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Friday gazetted the Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2024, which will come into effect from Aug 1.

The ordinance aims to expand the prohibition on feeding currently applicable to wild animals to cover feral pigeon; raise the maximum penalty for contravention of the feeding ban from a fine of HK$10,000 to HK$100,000 and one-year imprisonment, and introduce a fixed penalty with the amount at HK$5,000; and broaden the scope of the government enforcement officers.

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"Feeding wild animals and feral pigeons will not only foul public places and attract these animals to gather, thus causing a nuisance to the public and the public hygiene problem, but will also affect the habits of these animals, jeopardizing their ability to survive in the wild,” said government spokesman.

In 2021 and 2022, the annual average number of complaints related to feral pigeons received by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD); Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD); and Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) was about 1,700, according to a government notification.

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The spokesman said the government will continue to strengthen publicity and education to foster public understanding that wild animals and feral pigeons have the natural instincts to forage in the wild and natural environment without having to rely on human feeding.

The AFCD will work closely with the departments assisting in enforcement to ensure effective enforcement, added the spokesman.