No. Feeding wild pigeons in Romania is prohibited under Law 13/1993 on the Protection of Wild Fauna, as amended by Government Emergency Ordinance 57/2007. The National Environmental Guard (GNM) enforces bans in urban areas to prevent public health risks and ecological imbalances. Violations may incur fines up to RON 5,000 (approx. €1,000).
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Romania
- Urban Bans: Local ordinances (e.g., Bucharest City Hall Order 124/2023) explicitly prohibit feeding pigeons in public spaces, citing hygiene and infrastructure damage concerns.
- Protected Species Status: Pigeons are classified as “harmful species” under Order 1146/2001 of the Ministry of Environment, allowing municipal culling programs where feeding occurs.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: New draft regulations (GD 45/2026) propose stricter penalties, including mandatory community service for repeat offenders, aligning with EU biodiversity directives.
Non-compliance risks escalate in protected zones (e.g., Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve), where feeding disrupts native avifauna. Exemptions require permits from the Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPM), rarely granted.