Over Rs 2 lakh fine: Singapore court takes action against Indian-origin woman for feeding pigeons

Indian-origin woman fined for feeding pigeons in Singapore. (AI-generated image)

In Singapore, even small acts that affect public spaces can carry serious consequences. Authorities take violations of wildlife protection laws seriously, especially when they are repeated. Recently, a 71-year-old Indian-origin woman was fined SGD 3,200 (around Rs 2.27,932) for feeding pigeons multiple times, despite previous warnings.

As reported by PTI, Sanmugamnathan Shamla, a resident of Toa Payoh housing estate, pleaded guilty to four charges under the Singapore Wildlife Act, with five further similar charges taken into consideration. She fed pigeons nine times over six months, between July 2025 and January 2026.

The court was also told that Shamla had been fined SGD 1,200 back in May 2025 for feeding wild birds near her flat and for interfering with a National Parks Board (NParks) pigeon-trapping exercise. At that time, she had given her personal undertaking to the court that she would not repeat the behaviour.

“The accused stands before you as a repeat offender,” the NParks prosecutor told the court as reported by Channel News Asia. The prosecutor added that Shamla had shown a “persistent disregard for the law.”

Despite her earlier promise, Shamla returned to feeding pigeons within a month of her previous conviction. The prosecutor said her repeated actions showed that only a “meaningful financial penalty” could act as a deterrent.

Shamla appeared in court without legal representation. She asked if the fine could be reduced to fall within “the 1,000 to 2,000 dollar brackets,” explaining that she was unemployed and had no medical insurance. “I will make up the balance... by community service,” she offered. When she heard the total amount of SGD 3,200, she said she would pay the fine on the same day.

Under Singapore’s Wildlife Act, feeding wildlife intentionally without written approval can carry a fine of up to SGD 10,000 per charge. Authorities said Shamla’s case shows why people who break the rules more than once get higher fines.

NParks has repeatedly warned that feeding wild birds can create public health and cleanliness issues. Pigeons can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and contribute to larger bird populations near homes, leading to soiling, property damage, and other safety concerns.