By Fiona Sun
Hong Kong has recorded a roughly 11 per cent drop in the number of feral pigeons found at common gathering spots after an expanded no-feeding law took effect, according to authorities who are planning to use artificial intelligence (AI) patrol robots to enhance enforcement.
The number of feral pigeons stood at about 12,090 during the first quarter of this year, down by about 11 per cent from around 13,520 in the previous three months, across 140 spots in the city where birds gathered or caused a nuisance, according to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
Food left by people for the birds was found at 30 of the 140 spots during the first three months of this year, down from 37 during the fourth quarter of 2024.
The department carried out a citywide study over the two quarters, with researchers conducting on-site inspections and recording the number of feral pigeons spotted.
鈥淎s various departments continue to strengthen enforcement to combat illegal feeding activities, we expect the problem of feral pigeons gathering in urban areas and the nuisance they cause to continue to improve,鈥 said Dr Jeremy Ho Hon-pong, senior veterinary officer of animal health at the department.
The Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 took effect on August 1 of last year, expanding the citywide prohibition on feeding wild animals to cover feral pigeons.
The revised law is part of the city鈥檚 efforts to curb illegal feeding activities and improve environmental hygiene.
The maximum fine for illegal feeding was increased from HK$10,000 (US$1,273) to HK$100,000, and offenders can be jailed for one year. A fixed penalty of HK$5,000 was also introduced.
鈥淔eral pigeons gather mainly to look for food. Theoretically, if we stop feeding them, they will leave the urban areas, and the situation will improve,鈥 Ho said.
鈥淭he revision of the ordinance has extended the feeding ban to cover feral pigeons, aiming to deal with the problem at the source.鈥
Ho said the number of complaints about illegal feeding of feral pigeons received by the department rose from 75 in August last year to 157 this January, before gradually stabilising to about 130 a month.
As of April this year, 131 fixed penalty notices had been issued for illegally feeding feral pigeons. Four cases had been prosecuted.
Ho said a cross-departmental work group had been formed to conduct joint enforcement operations. He said the number of feral pigeons had fallen at some locations, such as the areas outside the Cheung Sha Wan, Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun MTR stations, where the birds were previously seen gathering in the dozens.
鈥淭he number of feral pigeons has decreased in most of their gathering places in the city, but the number in some places is still relatively high, such as Yau Tsim Mong district,鈥 Ho said, adding authorities would step up enforcement and publicity efforts there.
He said authorities were also studying the use of technologies to help in enforcement.
Mobile surveillance systems would be installed at select locations to monitor feeding activities, with the first-phase trial to be launched during the third quarter of this year.
The department was also studying using AI patrol robots at places where the birds gathered.