No, feeding wild pigeons in China is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Law (2022 Amendment) and local municipal ordinances like Beijing’s 2023 Urban Wildlife Management Measures. Enforcement by the State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) has intensified ahead of the 2026 national biodiversity targets, with fines up to ¥5,000 for violations.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in China
- National Wildlife Protection Law (2022): Classifies feral pigeons (Columba livia) as “urban wildlife” subject to feeding bans under Article 35, prohibiting actions that disrupt natural behavior or public health.
- Local Urban Management Rules: Cities like Shanghai (2024) and Guangzhou (2023) explicitly ban pigeon feeding in public parks, citing sanitation risks and ecological imbalance. Violators face municipal fines.
- SFGA Enforcement Directives: Circulars issued in 2025 mandate local authorities to deploy surveillance in high-risk zones (e.g., Tiananmen Square, People’s Park) and issue warnings before penalties.
Non-compliance triggers escalating penalties: initial warnings, followed by ¥200–¥1,000 fines, and potential confiscation of feeding equipment under Administrative Penalty Law provisions. Exemptions exist only for licensed wildlife rescue centers.