Overview
- Signs on Christchurch Avenue in Kilburn, printed in English and several South Asian languages, warned that feeding birds was a 'crime against our streets' punishable by up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine.
- Brent Council apologised and confirmed the signs were taken down, with cabinet member Krupa Sheth saying the wording does not reflect how the authority communicates with residents today.
- Under Brent’s Public Space Protection Order, feeding wild animals is prohibited in parks, open spaces and cemeteries, with non-compliance limited by statute to a level 3 fine of up to £1,000.
- A student reported receiving a £100 fixed penalty for feeding pigeons in a Kilburn park in late February, drawing further attention to enforcement practices.
- Wildlife volunteer Michael Britton condemned the notices as heavy-handed, illegal and discriminatory, and campaigners have called for a review of the council’s PSPO approach.