No. Feeding wild pigeons in Switzerland is prohibited under federal wildlife protection laws, as it disrupts natural foraging behaviors and exacerbates urban nuisance issues. Local cantons enforce stricter ordinances, with fines up to CHF 5,000 for violations. The 2026 revision of the Ordinance on Hunting and Wildlife Protection explicitly targets urban wildlife feeding to curb public health risks.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Switzerland
- Federal Prohibition: Article 7 of the Federal Act on Hunting and Wildlife Protection (JSG) bans feeding wildlife without authorization, classifying pigeons as protected species under Annex 1. Exceptions require cantonal permits for scientific or conservation purposes.
- Cantonal Enforcement: Municipalities like Zurich and Geneva impose additional bans via local Verordnung über die Haltung von Wildtieren (Ordinance on Wild Animal Keeping), with penalties enforced by cantonal police or environmental agencies.
- Public Health Exemptions: Feeding is permitted only in designated urban wildlife feeding zones (e.g., Basel’s Wildtierfütterungszonen), where controlled feeding mitigates disease transmission risks. Unauthorized feeding in residential areas triggers immediate fines.