- By Nidhi Giri
- Fri, 06 Feb 2026 02:58 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A 71-year-old Indian-origin woman in Singapore has been fined SGD 3,200 (approximately Rs 2.26 lakh) under the Wildlife Act for repeatedly feeding pigeons over a six-month period in the city-state’s oldest housing estates.
According to a report by Channel NewsAsia, the woman, identified as Sanmugamnathan Shamla, lives in the Toa Payoh housing estate. Despite having been warned earlier for similar actions, she continued feeding wild birds after previously assuring authorities that she would stop.
ALSO READ: Epstein's Exposed Medical Records Show Low Testosterone, Enhancement Products And Sperm Storage
The court was informed that Shamla had been fined SGD 1,200 in May last year for illegally feeding birds near her residence. She was also found to have interfered with a pigeon-trapping operation conducted by Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks).
"The accused stands before you as a repeat offender," the prosecutor said, adding that Shamla has a "persistent disregard for the law." As a repeat offender intentionally feeding wildlife without written approval, she could have been fined up to SGD 10,000 per charge.
Pigeon Feeding Ban And Public Health Concerns
Several countries and cities around the world have moved to curb or ban pigeon feeding. Singapore, Italy (Venice), and parts of Australia enforce strict penalties for feeding pigeons, while India has also taken action in recent years. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru have banned public pigeon feeding as of late 2025, citing health risks linked to pigeon droppings and feathers, including respiratory illnesses.
As per Channel NewsAsia, authorities in Singapore said the presence of large pigeon populations in residential areas raises public health concerns due to the potential spread of diseases.
ALSO READ: ‘Leave Iran Now’: US Embassy Issues Urgent Exit Warning To Citizens Ahead Of Nuclear Talks In Oman
Pigeons are known carriers of bacteria such as salmonella, which can lead to symptoms including diarrhoea, fever and abdominal pain. Health authorities have also warned that exposure to pigeon droppings can transmit ornithosis, a disease that causes fever, headaches, vomiting and muscle aches.
Birds are seen as a nuisance because of their messy feeding and droppings, said the Bird Society of Singapore's president Keita Sin, as reported by Channel NewsAsia. Their droppings can soil public areas, stain clothing and bother diners at open-air eateries.
(With PTI Inputs