Tallinn bans feeding wild birds and animals from December

Tallinn will ban feeding wild birds and animals from December 1, ERR reports. The ban covers pigeons, gulls, ducks and other animals living freely in the city, with an exception for feeding small passerines in public spaces during winter weather. Feeding is also allowed in private gardens.

Birds are often fed near shopping centres and bus stops, where leftover food can also attract rats and squirrels. One feeding spot is at Balti Jaam, Tallinn’s railway station.

Kairet Remmak-Grassmann, deputy chair of the Tallinn City Council’s Centre Party faction, said wild birds and animals can find food in nature and that feeding them what is often junk food does not help them.

Meelis Uustal, an ornithologist and head of environmental conservation at the city’s Environment and Public Utilities Department, said feeding takes place in several parts of Tallinn. Experts also question whether small birds such as tits and bullfinches should be fed, as diseases can spread quickly among them. Uustal said an outbreak affecting greenfinches and chaffinches in Northern Europe 10 to 15 years ago was partly or entirely linked to feeding.

People who break the rules will first receive verbal and written warnings. If those do not work, they may be fined.