Indian-origin woman fined over ₹2 lakh for feeding pigeons in Singapore

A 71-year-old Indian-origin woman in Singapore has been fined S$3,200 (over ₹2 lakh) for repeatedly feeding pigeons near her home, despite earlier warnings and penalties under the country’s wildlife protection laws, as per reports.

According to reports, the woman, Sanmugamnathan Shamla, faced four charges under Singapore’s Wildlife Act, with the court also taking into account five additional violations. Authorities said she had been feeding pigeons around her housing block in Toa Payoh for nearly six months, even after previous enforcement action.

Court records show that in May 2025, Shamla was fined S$1,200 for feeding wild birds and for obstructing an operation by the National Parks Board (NParks) aimed at trapping pigeons.

Despite that conviction, surveillance footage recorded between July 2025 and January 2026 showed her continuing the same activity. The feeding typically took place in the evenings near Block 62B, Lorong 4, Toa Payoh, drawing large flocks of pigeons to the area. During the hearing, the court reviewed video evidence showing Shamla scattering food and pigeons gathering shortly afterward.

An NParks prosecutor described her actions as a clear case of repeated non-compliance, stating that she had shown a “persistent disregard for the law”. The court was told that Shamla had earlier promised authorities and her local Member of Parliament that she would stop, but was found repeating the offence just days later.

Representing herself, Shamla appealed for a reduced fine, citing unemployment and the absence of health insurance. She requested that the penalty be lowered to between S$1,000 and S$2,000, offering to perform community service for the remaining amount.

The court, however, imposed the S$3,200 fine, which Shamla said she would pay on the same day.

Under Singapore’s Wildlife Act, repeat offenders who feed wildlife without authorisation can face fines of up to S$10,000 per charge, reflecting the country’s strict approach to wildlife management and public hygiene.