Woman, 67, charged with feeding pigeons 4 times near various Yishun HDB blocks

A 67-year-old woman was charged on May 13 with feeding pigeons on four separate occasions near three different HDB blocks in Yishun.

Tan Cheng Chu, a Singaporean, was handed four charges of intentionally feeding wildlife without written approval from the director-general of wildlife management under the Wildlife Act.

Four times

Charge sheets seen by Mothership showed that Tan first fed pigeons near Block 755 Yishun Street 22 on the afternoon of Aug. 3, 2025.

She then allegedly fed pigeons again this year at Block 728 Yishun Street 71, on Jan. 23, 2026.

She allegedly did it again twice in February 2026 near Block 727 Yishun Street 71.

Tan was remanded for medical examination on May 13.

Her case will be heard again in court on May 26.

Feeding pigeons is an offence

It is an offence to feed pigeons in Singapore, which are considered wildlife under the Wildlife Act.

If convicted, Tan can be fined up to S$5,000 for a first-time offence.

Persistent feeding of wildlife can result in public disamenities due to the bird droppings, which pose hygiene concerns for residents.

There are also potential risks to public health, as birds such as pigeons can potentially spread pathogens that cause diseases in humans.

Following amendments to the Wildlife Act earlier this month, the maximum fines are set to double for those who feed wildlife — including invasive pest birds such as pigeons and house crows — up to S$10,000 for first-time offences, and up to S$20,000 for repeat offences.

Repeat offenders can also be jailed for up to 12 months, in addition to or in place of a fine.