No. Feeding wild pigeons in South Africa is prohibited under national biodiversity legislation, as it disrupts ecosystems and fosters disease transmission. Local municipalities, including the City of Cape Town, enforce by-laws restricting feeding to mitigate public health risks and nuisance complaints.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in South Africa
- National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) 10 of 2004: Classifies feeding of wild pigeons as an offence under Section 57(1), as it may alter natural behavior and ecological balance.
- City of Cape Town’s Animal By-law (2021): Explicitly bans feeding of pigeons in public spaces to curb overpopulation and sanitation hazards, with fines up to R5,000 for violations.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is drafting amendments to NEMBA, proposing stricter penalties and mandatory community awareness programs targeting pigeon feeding hotspots.
Local authorities prioritize enforcement in urban areas where pigeon overpopulation exacerbates infrastructure damage and zoonotic disease risks. Exemptions require written approval from provincial conservation agencies, typically granted only for controlled research purposes. Non-compliance may trigger municipal interventions, including culling programs or habitat modification to deter feeding.