Archive · 28 May 2025
Woman Fined in Singapore for Feeding Pigeons, Hindering Capture
Imagine a grandma who loves to feed the birds in her neighborhood.
In Singapore, there's a rule against feeding wild birds because it can cause problems.
This grandma, named Sanmugamnathan Shamla, kept feeding pigeons even after being warned.
She also tried to stop officials from catching the pigeons.
Because she broke the rule multiple times, the judge gave her a fine.
She was worried she might have to go to jail if she didn't pay, but she paid the fine instead.
The authorities don't want people feeding the birds because it is illegal.
A 70-year-old woman was fined SGD 1,200 in Singapore for feeding pigeons.
The woman, Sanmugamnathan Shamla, also disrupted a pigeon trapping operation.
She had previously received a warning in 2020 for similar offenses.
The charges were under the Wildlife Act, which prohibits feeding wild birds.
Shamla paid the fine after being told she might face jail time if she did not.
- Who
- Sanmugamnathan Shamla, an Indian-origin woman.
- What
- A 70-year-old woman was fined for feeding pigeons and disrupting a pigeon trapping exercise.
- When
- The woman was fined on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
- Where
- Singapore, near the woman's apartment in Toa Payoh.
- Why
- The woman was fined for repeatedly feeding pigeons, which is illegal under Singapore's Wildlife Act, and for hindering a pigeon-trapping operation.
Pro-Enforcement
Pro-Feeding
Reasoning
Pro-Enforcement
Authorities aim to control the bird population and prevent potential issues caused by feeding wildlife. They consider the action illegal.
Pro-Feeding
Individuals may feel that feeding the birds is harmless and brings them joy.
- Defendant
- Sanmugamnathan Shamla
- Nationality
- Indian-origin
- Age
- 70
- Fine Amount
- SGD 1,200 (approx. USD 930)
- Charges
- Feeding wild birds, obstructing pigeon trapping
- Legislation Violated
- Wildlife Act
- Location
- Toa Payoh, Singapore