No. Feeding wild pigeons in Georgia is prohibited under the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division’s 2024-2026 Wildlife Management Plan, which classifies such activity as a Class 1 misdemeanor under O.C.G.A. § 27-1-28. Local ordinances in Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta further restrict feeding to mitigate public health risks and ecological disruption.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Georgia
- State Prohibition: Feeding wild pigeons (Columba livia) violates O.C.G.A. § 27-1-28, enforced by the Georgia DNR, with penalties up to $1,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Atlanta (City Code § 5-4-10) and Savannah (Municipal Code § 14-36) impose additional fines ($50–$500) for feeding pigeons in public spaces, parks, or near food establishments.
- Public Health Exemptions: Georgia’s 2026 Public Health Rule (Chapter 311-6-10) explicitly bans pigeon feeding in areas prone to zoonotic disease transmission, such as near hospitals or schools.
Violations are escalated to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for environmental impact assessments if pigeon populations exceed 50 in a single feeding incident. Exceptions require written approval from the DNR’s Wildlife Division, typically granted only for licensed wildlife rehabilitation purposes.