No, feeding wild pigeons in Puerto Rico is prohibited under local wildlife conservation statutes, as the practice disrupts native ecosystems and poses public health risks. The Reglamento para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre de Puerto Rico (2023) explicitly bans feeding non-native species, including feral pigeons, to mitigate disease transmission and ecological imbalance. Violations may result in fines up to $5,000 under the Ley de Vida Silvestre de Puerto Rico (Act No. 241-1999), with enforcement overseen by the Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA).
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Puerto Rico
- Prohibited Species: Feeding feral pigeons (Columba livia) is banned under Reglamento 6766 (2023), which classifies them as invasive due to their role in disease vectors like salmonellosis.
- Public Health Mandates: The Ley General de Salud (Act No. 81-1991) requires municipalities to prevent actions that exacerbate zoonotic risks, including pigeon overpopulation from artificial feeding.
- Enforcement Authority: The DRNA and municipal Oficinas de Manejo de Fauna Urbana may issue citations or mandate removal of feeding sites under Orden Ejecutiva 2024-003, which prioritizes urban wildlife management for 2026 compliance cycles.
Non-compliance triggers escalated penalties, including mandatory community service in habitat restoration projects. Exemptions exist solely for licensed wildlife rehabilitators under Permiso Especial de Alimentación (DRNA Form 2024-05), subject to annual review.