Territory-wide Feeding Ban

Human feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons (commonly known as domestic pigeons or rock pigeons) causes them to become overpopulated, leading them to compete with other species for resources, resulting in ecological imbalance, and potentially increasing the risk of disease transmission. Through frequent contact with humans, human feeding can alter their natural behaviour, and some monkeys and wild pigs have lost their natural fear of humans and can sometimes become aggressive, proactively snatching plastic bags or food from people’s hands, leading to incidents of human injury. Furthermore, some animals may be attracted by the provisioned food and congregate near residential areas, causing various nuisance problems, while the food remnants left by the feeders and the animal droppings can also foul public places, constituting public health issues.

The Government tackles the issues of illegal feeding of wild animals and feral pigeons through strengthened enforcement measures and public education. The Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 came into effect on 1 August 2024, which expanded the prohibition on feeding of wild animals to cover feral pigeons, increased the maximum penalty for illegal feeding from a fine of $10,000 to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year and introduced a fixed penalty of $5,000. Additionally, the scope of enforcement officers was expanded apart from police officers and staff from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (“AFCD”) to include appointed officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (“FEHD”), the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”), and the Housing Department (“HD”), enhancing enforcement effectiveness.

The “Inter-departmental Working Group on Feeding Ban Enforcement” (“Working Group”), comprising AFCD, FEHD, LCSD and HD, closely monitors the latest developments in illegal feeding activities across Hong Kong and shares intelligence among departments to enhance inter-departmental collaboration and enforcement effectiveness. Each department adopts a risk-based enforcement strategy, carrying out enforcement during routine patrols at their managed venues or public areas. Additionally, based on intelligence and reports, special patrols and enforcement operations are arranged at appropriate locations. Where necessary, joint enforcement operations are conducted at feeding blackspots involving multiple departmental jurisdictions or locations with more severe or complex feeding issues.

The AFCD has been conducting a variety of promotional and education work to reach the public across different age groups and deliver the latest information, including details about the feeding ban, associated penalties, and the negative impacts of feeding animals. A series of campaigns themed "All for No Feeding" and "Mission P." have been launched. These include advertising and short video broadcasts on various platforms, sharing educational information via social media, setting up educational booths, displaying banners at feeding blackspots or locations where feral pigeons gather, and organising talks and workshops at schools, elderly centres, and housing estates. The AFCD has also strengthened collaboration with various stakeholders, including Legislative Council members, District Council members, District Committee members, and Care Teams, to promote the "All for No Feeding" message in local communities.

Members of the public may report any suspected illegal feeding activities by calling 1823.

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Please click the icon to watch an animation video about the Ordinance amendments:

Schedule of "All for No Feeding" Booths