Don’t Feed the Pigeons in Venice
Terri May 8th, 2008
As of April 30, 2008 it became illegal to feed the pigeons in St. Marks Square. The mayor’s office issued the ban because of burgeoning numbers of birds being fed by tourists who want a picture of themselves covered in pigeons. It has been illegal to feed pigeons in Venice for years, but San Marcos square was excepted because of the tourists.
More than 13,000 pigeons travel through St. Marks Square every day. The birds leave monuments and more than a few tourists covered with pigeon droppings. The birds can also spread disease. When we were there, I felt it necessary to wear a hat to protect myself from the dirty birds. We avoided San Marcos square in the daytime to eliminate our chances of getting soiled.
Fines are now issued to tourists who feed the pigeons with fines ranging from about $80 to more than $700.
Several long standing, bird-feed stands went out of business because of the ban. Owners protested with placards asking the mayor, “What kind of Venetian are you?”
On May 2, animal rights activists ignored the ban and fed the pigeons who, they claim are being “starved to death.” The mayor was unmoved and will continue the ban. From my perspective, a good move.
