No, feeding wild pigeons in Portugal is prohibited under national wildlife protection laws, with municipal enforcement by local councils like Lisboa Ambiente. Recent 2026 amendments to Decreto-Lei n.º 140/99 tighten penalties for unauthorized feeding, citing public health risks and ecological disruption.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Portugal
- Prohibition under Decreto-Lei n.º 140/99: Classifies wild pigeons as protected species under Annex II, banning deliberate feeding without municipal authorization.
- Municipal enforcement: Local authorities (e.g., Câmara Municipal de Lisboa) issue fines up to €1,500 for violations, per Regulamento Municipal de Proteção Animal (2025).
- Public health exceptions: Feeding only permitted in licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers, subject to ICNF (Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas) oversight.
Non-compliance risks escalate under 2026 amendments, which expand ICNF’s inspection powers and introduce mandatory community service for repeat offenders.