No, feeding wild pigeons in Australia is generally prohibited under state and territory biosecurity laws, with penalties up to $220,000 in NSW under the Biosecurity Act 2015. Local councils, including the City of Melbourne and City of Sydney, enforce supplementary restrictions via local laws targeting nuisance wildlife. The 2026 National Wildlife Health Framework prioritizes disease control, tightening enforcement against artificial feeding to mitigate risks like avian influenza and urban pest proliferation.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Australia
- Biosecurity Acts: State laws (e.g., Biosecurity Act 2015 [NSW], Biosecurity Act 2014 [QLD]) classify feeding wild birds as a biosecurity risk, enabling fines for unauthorized activity. The Environmental Protection Act 1994 (QLD) further criminalizes actions that disrupt ecological balance.
- Local Council By-laws: Municipalities such as the City of Perth and Brisbane City Council explicitly prohibit feeding pigeons under local nuisance or animal management policies, with on-the-spot fines ranging from $200–$1,500.
- National Wildlife Health Framework (2026): Aligns with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, mandating compliance with disease surveillance protocols that discourage artificial feeding to prevent pathogen transmission among urban bird populations.