Feeding pigeons in Karnataka may soon land you in jail

Chetana Belagere

Dec 18, 2025

Health

Health

If you live in Karnataka, feeding pigeons outside your home, in a park or at a street corner could soon invite fines, warnings and even prosecution.

Health

The state Health and Family Welfare Department made it clear that the state no longer views pigeon feeding as a benign practice, but as a growing urban health risk.

Health

The Department said uncontrolled pigeon feeding in public places has led to large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and sustained exposure to feathers and dust.

Health

The note warns that such exposure is directly linked to serious respiratory illnesses, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.

Health

In conversations with South First, doctors welcomed the move and said they have been seeing an increase in respiratory problems linked to exposure to pigeons and their droppings.