Feeding pigeons scraps of food in UK town and city centres could result in an on-the-spot fine of up to £150, as councils treat the act as littering or a breach of local orders.
Many people share food scraps or bird food with pigeons to keep them well-fed. While pigeons can eat a natural diet of grains and seeds, those in built-up areas typically scavenge for discarded human food such as bread, fast food scraps, and rubbish to survive.
However, tossing food towards a flock of pigeons with the intention of helping them can be seen as a form of littering. Many UK local councils classify feeding pigeons as littering or a breach of 'local order', even if the birds eat the food. This could cost between £80 and £150 on the spot for feeding the birds, and it is not an uncommon fine.
Councils defend fines as pest control
Councils claim these measures are aimed at reducing pest numbers in centres and bird droppings, disguised as 'Public Spaces Protection Orders'. Critics argue it is a 'petty' move.
There have been several publicised cases in recent years of members of the public caught seemingly harmlessly feeding local pigeons. One involved a man in Luton, charged £150 for 'littering', a fine that the town's neighbourhood enforcement team patrol can hand out.
The council at the time said: "Feeding pigeons not only encourages pigeons and other vermin such as rats but creates litter." They added: "Tackling antisocial behaviour like this will have a major impact on the appearance of our streets."
Public backlash over enforcement
After the council tweeted about the incident on X, a number of people responded, enraged by the policy. One person wrote: "Never seen something more stupid in my life man's just looking after the birds maybe that's his only joy in his day."
Another victim was Sam Elkin, 23, from Southport, who was fined while celebrating her birthday in March 2026. During her time at Piccadilly Gardens, an area rife with pigeons, she tore off part of her wrap and put it on the floor for an approaching pigeon. It was deemed she was 'littering'.
She told the BBC: "The food was literally gone - the pigeons had eaten it and left - before he'd even approached us really. It was shocking, I got really upset."
Fine impact and council response
The £150 fine was a significant blow, as she and her partner had recently moved homes and needed money for furniture and household items. She felt it was unfair as there are "bigger things going on in the world".
Manchester City Council issued a statement saying Sam's case was on hold while they looked into the matter. Their statement in response to the BBC article also explained that officers will issue a 'Fixed Penalty Notice' if a littering offence is observed of someone 'throwing rubbish, including items of food'.
