No, feeding wild pigeons in Iceland is prohibited under the Nature Conservation Act No. 64/2013 and municipal bylaws, as it disrupts local ecosystems and public health. The Environment Agency of Iceland enforces these rules, with penalties up to 1 million ISK (≈€7,000) for violations. Recent 2026 amendments tighten controls on urban wildlife interference.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Iceland
- Prohibition under national law: Feeding wild pigeons violates Article 87 of the Nature Conservation Act, which bans actions that alter natural animal behavior or habitats. The Environment Agency of Iceland (Umhverfisstofnun) classifies pigeon feeding as a form of unauthorized wildlife interference.
- Municipal enforcement: Reykjavík’s Reykjavíkurborg and other municipalities impose additional restrictions via local ordinances, such as Bygðareglugerð nr. 12/2021, which prohibit feeding in public spaces to mitigate sanitation risks and pest proliferation.
- Public health rationale: The Directorate of Health (Embætti landlæknis) cites evidence linking pigeon overpopulation to zoonotic disease risks, including salmonellosis and histoplasmosis, justifying the ban under Public Health Act No. 19/1997.