In response to a growing number of complaints about the feeding of pigeons, the City of North Bay's by-law enforcement coordinator is seeking relief via North Bay City Council to smooth any ruffled feathers.
A report written by Ron Melnyk that is scheduled to appear on Tuesday's regular meeting agenda asks council to authorize a by-law to prohibit the feeding of pigeons that will be accompanied by offences and fines.
See the proposed Pigeon Feeding By-Law in full.
"In recent years, there have been an increasing number of complaints relating to issues caused by the feeding of pigeons. The complaints are primarily due to property damages and health concerns resulting from increased pigeon populations. These increased populations are a direct result of feeding. Many locations that have never had pigeons now have increasing populations due to a single feeding site," Melnyk writes.
Under the proposal, Melnyk states by-law officers will have the power to attend feeding sites and stop the practice. "Typically, a resident will be warned to stop feeding and to remove the feed site. This single attendance will solve most complaints. If the resident chooses not to stop, a fine will be issued."
Fines range from $100 for feeding pigeons or depositing food likely to attract pigeons. Obstructing or failing to comply with an order will cost you $200.
If the initial interaction does not cease the bird feeding, an order will be issued and the result can be a fine and/or the removal of the feed site by a contractor, of which the costs will be invoiced to the property owner, according to the report.
If you have a bird feeder meant for songbirds, you can keep the apparatus but must meet the following conditions, as per the proposed by-law:
a) seed is placed in a bird feeding device that is sufficiently above grade so as to not allow pigeons to feed from the feeder, and
b) the bird feeding device is constructed in such a way as to prevent pigeons from roosting and feeding from the device, and
c) the bird-feeding device does not attract pigeons to the device, and
d) any spillage of seed upon the ground is completely removed so that the spilled seeds do not attract pigeons.
If the by-law is passed, no additional enforcement personnel will be required.
Council meets Tuesday, beginning at 6:30 p.m. for committee meetings and is immediately followed by the regular council meeting.
