Residents in Hong Kong could face a prison sentence or a fine of more than £10,000 if they feed a pigeon.
The city’s government has proposed drastically tougher penalties for anyone caught feeding pigeons, whose overpopulation is considered a nuisance and public health hazard.
Hongkongers have been told by officials to keep their distance from the “rats with wings”.
The authorities say wild birds such as pigeons pose a risk to public health and could spread disease
MARC FERNANDES/NURPHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK
Sprinkling breadcrumbs for the birds could now result in a fixed penalty of HK$5,000, a fine of HK$10,000 to HK$100,000 (£1,077 to £10,770) or a year behind bars, according to the South China Morning Post. Under current regulations, anyone caught feeding wild birds or pigeons can receive a fixed penalty of HK$1,500.
The city has enforced a no-feed rule on wild birds since 2013 on
