Valencia Launches Anti-Pigeon Feeding Campaign — Fines Up to €3,000 for Offenders

Valencia city council has launched a campaign called "No alimentes el problema" ("Don't Feed the Problem") to raise public awareness of the negative consequences of feeding urban pigeons.

New city regulations introduce fines of between €750 and €3,000 for feeding pigeons in public spaces. The council has not specified how offenders will be identified, but has urged residents to "report areas with large concentrations of pigeons or problem hotspots."

The campaign launched across social media, press, and advertising banners throughout the city.

"We want to convey to residents that what might seem like a harmless gesture — throwing food to pigeons in the street — has negative consequences for public health, cleanliness, the city's heritage, and the balance of our urban environment," explained councillor for animal welfare Juan Carlos Caballero.

According to him, an uncontrolled pigeon population disrupts the ecological balance and displaces other bird species. Bird droppings damage building façades, monuments, and elements of urban infrastructure, generating additional costs for the city.

Valencia currently has more than 32,000 pigeons — against a recommended density of 10.2 birds per hectare, the actual figure stands at 11. In the first quarter of 2026, the population fell by 9.5% — from 35,500 to 32,000 birds. The authorities attribute this to the introduction of sterilising feed and other control measures.

The city is also implementing additional measures, including installing protective systems on heritage buildings, lampposts, and other elements of urban infrastructure.