No. Feeding wild pigeons in Spain is prohibited under national and regional wildlife protection laws, with penalties reaching €3,000. Local ordinances in cities like Madrid and Barcelona enforce stricter bans, citing public health risks and ecological disruption. The 2026 draft of the Ley de Biodiversidad y Patrimonio Natural may expand enforcement powers for municipal authorities.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Spain
- Regional Wildlife Laws: Autonomous communities (e.g., Catalonia’s Decret 148/2022) classify pigeons as “synanthropic species” and ban feeding to curb overpopulation and disease transmission. Violations trigger fines under organic law 42/2007.
- Municipal Ordinances: Cities like Valencia (Ordenanza de Limpieza Viaria, 2023) and Seville impose immediate €100–€600 fines for feeding, citing structural damage from droppings and zoonotic risks (e.g., salmonellosis).
- EU Biodiversity Directives: Spain’s transposition of the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy prioritizes native species conservation, indirectly restricting feeding practices that alter urban ecosystems. Non-compliance risks EU infringement proceedings.
Local environmental agencies (Agencias de Medio Ambiente) and municipal police (Policía Local) enforce these rules, with 2026 compliance shifts targeting digital surveillance (e.g., drones for monitoring feeding hotspots). Exemptions exist only for licensed wildlife rehabilitators under Real Decreto 630/2013.