Brent Council's 'Outrageous' Bird-Feeding Signs Threaten 5 Years in Prison
Signs that appear to have been erected by Brent Council in North London are threatening residents with a prison sentence of up to five years or an unlimited fine if they are caught feeding birds. The signage, located near the bridge at Kilburn London Underground Station on Christchurch Avenue, has been described by a wildlife officer as "shockingly heavy handed and clearly illegal", prompting urgent calls for the local authority to remove them immediately.
Multilingual Warnings and Accusations of Targeting
The signs, which display the Brent Council logo and are translated into five South Asian languages, suggest that feeding pigeons constitutes a "crime against our streets". They warn that committing this offence could result in imprisonment for up to five years—a sentence comparable to those given for violent crimes like causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), certain firearms offences, and high-level drug supply. Wildlife rescue volunteer Michael Britton, who works with groups including Pigeon Recovery and London Wildlife Protection, expressed his dismay, calling the signs "the most outrageous" he had ever seen and labeling them "completely unacceptable and morally wrong".
Mr. Britton added, "I firmly believe that threatening five years in prison or an unlimited fine is both disgraceful, shockingly heavy handed and clearly illegal. I personally find the signs bullying, dictatorial, threatening, and racist; targeting and scapegoating specific cultures for 'committing crimes against our streets'. I believe this sign is a malicious prosecution threat which is illegal and makes Brent Council liable to be sued."
Council's PSPO and Discrepancy in Penalties
Brent Council has implemented a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that prohibits the feeding of wild animals, including birds, in parks, open spaces, and cemeteries. This measure aims to reduce antisocial behaviour and hygiene issues related to animal faeces. However, the council's own documents state that failing to comply with this order could only result in a fine "not exceeding level 3"—which is up to a maximum of £1,000. Failure to pay the fine may lead to a further conviction, but not the severe penalties indicated on the signs.
Mr. Britton emphasized, "I believe the whole PSPO strategy in Brent requires urgent review, and they must remove feeding wildlife as an offence. However, these new ridiculous signs are a whole different matter. It's absolutely outrageous, illegal and I believe someone must be held accountable. If we allow the council to diminish what little compassion remains in our society, we're all doomed."
Real-Life Impact and Public Outcry
The controversy has been fueled by a recent incident where a student posted on Reddit claiming she was fined £100 by council officers for feeding pigeons while walking through a park in Kilburn. The post detailed, "I had a slice of bread with me and I fed it to some pigeons along the way. Next thing I know, two enforcement officers are walking up to me and handing me a fine for £100. They pointed to a small signboard with only small icons marked in red, fixed seven feet up a distant pole—I'm five feet tall with autism. Also isn't this a steep fine for a first time 'offense'? A £100 is a month's groceries for me."
Brent Council was approached for comment but did not respond ahead of publication, leaving residents and activists demanding accountability and clarity on the enforcement of these regulations. The situation highlights growing tensions between local authorities and community members over wildlife management and public space policies.
