No. Feeding wild pigeons in Brazil violates municipal ordinances and federal environmental norms, particularly under the Lei de Crimes Ambientais (Law 9.605/1998). Local governments like São Paulo’s Decreto 52.472/2011 explicitly prohibit feeding feral birds to curb public health risks and ecological imbalances. Non-compliance may result in fines up to R$50,000.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Brazil
- Federal Level: Law 9.605/1998 criminalizes actions that disrupt urban fauna, including artificial feeding that alters natural behaviors.
- Municipal Ordinances: Cities like Rio de Janeiro (Decreto 44.872/2019) and Brasília (Lei Distrital 6.198/2018) ban feeding pigeons to mitigate zoonotic disease transmission and property damage.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: Proposed amendments to Resolução CONAMA 429/2010 may classify pigeon feeding as an environmental misdemeanor, aligning with WHO guidelines on urban pest control.
Enforcement prioritizes public health over animal welfare, with environmental agencies (IBAMA and municipal Secretarias de Meio Ambiente) conducting routine inspections. Exceptions exist for licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers, but recreational feeding remains prohibited nationwide.