Can I feed pigeons and wild animals?
Feeding pigeons and wild animals in the street, on squares, in parks or at ponds is forbidden in most Belgian towns and municipalities via the municipal police regulation (GAS). The reason: scattered food moulds and attracts rats and vermin, bread is bad for the animals, and it fuels overpopulation of pigeons, gulls and exotic species. In the regions' nature reserves and parks (including Brussels Environment) feeding wild animals is likewise forbidden. Feeding big game such as wild boar and deer is separately forbidden — in Wallonia a principle of no supplementary feeding applies, and giving kitchen scraps to wild boar is forbidden everywhere (African swine fever risk). What is allowed: feeding small garden birds on your own land, preferably in winter (roughly 1 November–1 April), with suitable food (no bread), small quantities and clean feeding spots, as long as you cause no nuisance or vermin.
📋 The rules
- On public land (street, square, park, pond), feeding is forbidden in most municipalities (GAS)
- In nature reserves and regional parks, feeding wild animals is forbidden
- Feeding big game (boar, deer) is separately forbidden; kitchen scraps to boar nowhere (swine fever)
- Feeding small garden birds on your land is allowed, preferably in winter, no bread
- Keep clean feeding spots and small quantities — no leftovers that attract rats
- Never feed foxes, feral cats or wild boar: they lose their shyness and cause nuisance
🔓 Exceptions
- Some municipalities allow a frost exception for garden birds — check the local regulation
- Recognized rescue centres and managers may feed as part of animal care or management
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Feeding where it is forbidden brings a GAS fine (up to €500 for adults, €175 for minors); cities like Antwerp actively enforce it. If you attract rats or vermin, the municipality can also hold you liable for the nuisance and control costs. In Wallonia, breaches of the big-game feeding ban fall under hunting/nature law, with administrative or criminal sanctions.
📎 Official sources
- City of Antwerp · feeding birds (GAS) →
- Brussels Environment · may we feed wild animals? →
- Wallonie · hunting and big-game feeding →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I feed pigeons?
On public land, usually not: most municipalities forbid it via a GAS regulation because it attracts rats and makes pigeons overpopulate. On your own land it is possible, but without causing nuisance.
Can I feed garden birds in winter?
Yes, generally on your own land. Use suitable food (seeds, fat balls without netting), no bread, small quantities and clean feeding spots. It is especially useful during the cold months.
Can I feed wild boar or deer?
No. Feeding big game is forbidden (in Wallonia in principle), and giving kitchen scraps to wild boar is forbidden everywhere because of the African swine fever risk. You also make the animals unafraid and dangerous.
What do I risk if I feed anyway?
A GAS fine up to €500 for adults (€175 for minors). If you attract vermin, the municipality can also hold you liable for the nuisance and control costs.
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