The Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 will come into operation starting August 1, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today.

Under the revised ordinance, the current citywide prohibition on feeding wild animals will be expanded to cover feral pigeons. The maximum penalty for illegal feeding will be increased to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year. A fixed penalty of $5,000 will also be introduced.

Such rules aim to further curb illegal feeding activities, thereby reducing the relevant nuisance and environmental hygiene problems, and maintaining an ecological balance, the AFCD explained.

Furthermore, in addition to AFCD officers and police officers under the existing arrangement, appointed officers of the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department and the Housing Department can also take enforcement action against illegal feeding.

To allow sufficient time for the public to understand the new requirements, from August 1 to 31, enforcement officers will first give a verbal warning to people found to be illegally feeding feral pigeons or wild animals. If they persist in the illegal act, the officers will take enforcement action.

From September 1, officers will take enforcement action immediately without prior verbal warning if any person is found to be illegally feeding feral pigeons or wild animals.

The AFCD noted that it has launched a series of publicity and education activities with the theme of “All For No Feeding” to raise public awareness about the negative impact of feeding feral pigeons and wild animals, as well as the latest requirements and penalties.

Citizens may report suspected illegal feeding by calling 1823.