Feeding pigeons in UK town and city centres could result in fines of up to £150, as local councils treat the act as littering or a violation of 'local order'. Several local authorities classify feeding pigeons this way, regardless of whether the birds consume the food, potentially leading to on-the-spot penalties of between £80 and £150.
Councils cite pest control and litter concerns
Councils maintain the fines are intended to reduce pest populations in town centres, along with bird droppings, under 'Public Spaces Protection Orders'. Critics, however, contend it is a 'petty' approach from authorities.
Pigeons naturally eat grains and seeds, but those in urban environments often forage for discarded human food, including bread, takeaway leftovers, and rubbish, to survive.
Recent incidents highlight enforcement
Several high-profile incidents have emerged in recent years involving members of the public fined for feeding pigeons. A man in Luton was charged £150 for 'littering', a penalty that the town's neighbourhood enforcement patrol officers are empowered to issue.
The council stated at the time: "Feeding pigeons not only encourages pigeons and other vermin such as rats but creates litter. Tackling antisocial behaviour like this will have a major impact on the appearance of our streets." The council's post on X drew furious responses, with one commenter writing: "Never seen something more stupid in my life man's just looking after the birds maybe that's his only joy in his day."
Southport woman fined on birthday
Sam Elkin, 23, from Southport, received a fine while marking her birthday in March 2026. During her visit to Piccadilly Gardens, known for its pigeon population, she broke off a piece of her wrap and placed it on the ground for an approaching pigeon, and was told she was effectively '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." The £150 fine was a significant financial blow, as she and her partner had just relocated and needed every available pound for furnishings and essentials. She believed it was unjust as there are "bigger things going on in the world".
Manchester City Council released a statement confirming Sam's case was being held pending further investigation into the circumstances. Their response to the BBC article also clarified that officers will issue a 'Fixed Penalty Notice' should they witness a littering offence involving someone 'throwing rubbish, including items of food'.
