No, feeding wild pigeons in Poland violates the Act on the Protection of Animals (2015) and municipal ordinances, risking fines up to 5,000 PLN. Local authorities enforce bans to curb public health risks and ecological disruption, with Warsaw and Kraków imposing strict penalties since 2023. Enforcement aligns with EU biodiversity directives, targeting urban pest control.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Poland
- National Law: The Act on the Protection of Animals (2015) prohibits actions that harm animal welfare or public health, including artificial feeding that disrupts natural behaviors. Violations may trigger inspections by the Regional Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (WIOŚ).
- Municipal Ordinances: Cities like Warsaw (Uchwała nr LXIV/1766/2023) and Kraków (Zarządzenie nr 123/2024) explicitly ban pigeon feeding in public spaces, citing hygiene risks and property damage. Fines range from 200 PLN to 5,000 PLN.
- EU Alignment: Poland’s 2026 National Biodiversity Strategy enforces stricter urban wildlife management, prioritizing native species conservation over artificial feeding practices. Non-compliance may result in EU cohesion fund penalties for municipalities.