Pigeons may look cute on a postcard and amplify a city’s urban feel, but they’re commonly regarded as a general nuisance. Capable of breeding throughout the year, the easy access to food, water and nesting spaces turn the animals into settlers. Albeit harmless in most circumstances, they can facilitate the transmission of certain diseases, and their ability to hold up residence pretty much anywhere makes it difficult to eradicate a colony.
Eleven Maltese localities – Pieta, Floriana, Sliema, Msida, Hamrun, Gzira, Valletta, Rabat, Paola, Birkirkara and Birzebbuga - have already implemented strict rules regarding public assistance to wild pigeons and now, Hal Balzan is following suit.
In a statement released earlier today, the Hal Balzan Local Council revealed that the town will no longer tolerate the feeding of wild pigeons, which includes leaving food in places easily accessible to the animals. The owners of abandoned properties in the locality are also being enforced to seal their properties appropriately so as not to allow wild pigeons to enter and make their nests inside of the building.
Not abiding to these by-laws will result in a slew of fines: €46.59 for a first contravention, €69.88 for a second and in the case of a continuing contravention, €11.65 per day. However, there is some good news in store for pigeon breeders and owners of domesticated pigeons: you're excluded from the consequences of these by-laws!
So how do you distinguish between leaving food out for stray cats and food for pigeons?