City reminds people of the ban on feeding wild animals

The city of Bocholt would like to remind you of the current ban on feeding wild pigeons and waterfowl in the city area. Recently, an increasing amount of food has been placed in public areas, leading to complaints about rats and other pests. The administration urgently asks citizens to observe the applicable rules for the protection of public hygiene.

Bocholt city council would like to point out that feeding wild pigeons and waterfowl in public areas, parks and green spaces is prohibited. The reason for this renewed notice are current complaints from citizens who have observed an increase in rats and a concentration of pigeons and corvids.

What is often intended as well-intentioned help for the animals leads to considerable problems in practice. The leftover food serves as a direct food source for rats, whose population increases as a result of such an oversupply. In addition, the unnatural concentration of birds at the feeding sites leads to increased soiling of pavements, buildings and monuments with droppings.

The city council therefore appeals to all those responsible to refrain from feeding in order to maintain the cleanliness of public spaces.