A woman in Singapore was fined for flouting the law by feeding pigeons on multiple occasions despite being issued several warnings in the past.
In defending herself, the woman claimed that she fed the pigeons out of pity for their “pathetic” state and that they gave a her a new lease in life.
Repeat offender
According to CNA, Soh Choon Heong fed pigeons from September 2024 to September 2025 knowing full well it was against the law.
National Parks Board (NParks) were made aware of her actions and conducted surveillance operations along Scotts Road on Sep 1, 2024, Nov 9, 2024 and Feb 14, 2025.
On Feb 14, 2025, NParks officers saw Soh feeding the birds at Far East Plaza and approached her to ask for her personal details.
Soh claimed to not have her identity card with her at the time and gave her details verbally while walking to a bus stop as the officers were talking to her.
She tried to get them out of her hair by boarding the bus, but the officers followed her onboard and continued asking for her details.
In response, Soh told them her name was “Tan Siew Siew” and gave a wrong NRIC number. However, an officer suspected the information was false when Soh stumbled over the details.
The officers then alighted the bus when Soh did the same at the next bus stop and refused to cooperate further, prompting officers to call the police for help.
Following a search of Soh’s belongings which revealed her driving licence, officers were finally able to establish her identity and lodge a police report.
‘I wanted to rescue them’
During mitigation, Soh, who was unrepresented, told the court that she lost money on failed investments during the Covid-19 pandemic and became disillusioned in life.
When I saw the pigeons I found that they are very pathetic, so at that moment I become spirited and wanted to live my life.
“I’m still able to work but the pigeons are unable to do so,” she explained.
This then prompted the magistrate to reply incredulously: “But they don’t have to work what?”
The magistrate also pointed out that pigeons can survive on leftover food and scavenge in the rubbish bins of hawker centres.
Soh also claimed she fed the pigeons instant noodles or crumbs to “rescue” them before using a towel to wrap the birds and cut off hooks, strings, or knots attached to them.
Fined RM20,000
Soh pleaded guilty to three charges of feeding wildlife without approval and one charge of hindering an authorised officer in the exercise of their duties under the Wildlife Act.
Another seven charges for feeding wildlife without approval were also taken into consideration for sentencing.
She was eventually fined S$6,500 (approx. RM20,000).
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