Many people, drawn to animals by affection and a desire to help, sometimes feed pigeons, cats, and other urban wildlife without truly understanding their needs or the impact of such actions. Experts warn that this behavior can backfire, creating public health risks for people and animals alike.
Feeding animals encourages uncontrolled reproduction and can fuel the spread of pests. Waste thrown on the ground attracts cockroaches and rats, increasing dirt and foul odors on streets open to traffic.
An article in a consumer magazine cautions that feeding animals also shifts the balance among city-dwelling species. When people feed fish, ducks, and other waterfowl in ponds, those foods can contaminate the water and make it uninhabitable for other species.
Municipal ordinances in many places prohibit feeding cats, pigeons, ducks, fish, and other urban animals, often enforcing economic sanctions for violators.
And while one might assume that removing human food would leave these animals to starve, that is not true. Experts emphasize that most species do not rely on people for sustenance because they can sustain themselves through natural foraging.
According to NGOs, veterinarians, and other experts, the correct approach in any situation is clear:
ducks and fish
Ducks and fish in ponds within parks and gardens should never be fed with bread or other human foods. They do not need these offerings, and a wide array of items people toss in, from chips and donuts to other treats, can harm their health and even lead to serious illness.
A pond filled with discarded food can also experience water quality problems, affecting not only the water itself but all species that rely on it. Such feeding can introduce pollutants, promote algal blooms, and disrupt the ecosystem.
Even seemingly harmless bread is unsuitable for water, as crumbs and residues encourage excessive algae growth, mold, and bacteria. This makes the water less hospitable for native species and others that depend on it.
Pigeons
Dispersing bread across parks, sidewalks, and squares only invites larger pigeon populations. These birds are highly adaptable foragers and will thrive on a wide range of scraps. Feeding them tends to spark persistent colonies that are difficult for municipalities to manage.
Pigeons can carry parasites such as ticks, lice, and scabies and may spread diseases including histoplasmosis, salmonellosis, colibacillosis, and avian chlamydia, underscoring why feeding them is discouraged.
cats
Stray cats have grown accustomed to city life and are not simply abandoned by choice. Veterinary professionals advise caution about adoption and note that many urban colonies have established management systems. In some places, feeding and caring for these cats is regulated or restricted by local authorities.
Volunteer groups often oversee the welfare of these colonies, but unmanaged feeding can worsen health problems and attract rodents, cockroaches, and unpleasant odors.
Providing uncontrolled food contributes to an unhealthy cycle and can make practical management of the colonies more challenging for communities.
dogs
In certain regions, thousands of stray dogs are present in urban areas. When possible, finding them a permanent home or connecting with city services or animal welfare organizations is advisable. If direct care is not possible, responsible parties should seek help from official channels.
In the meantime, it is better to offer nutritionally balanced, veterinarian-approved food rather than scraps from ordinary meals.
Wild animals
Feeding wild animals is generally ill-advised. These creatures know how to find food in their natural environments, and human intervention can disrupt their habits and ecological roles. It is especially important to avoid actions that could alter their feeding patterns or cause dependency.
Reference article: (citation: consumer magazine)