Western Daily Press (Saturday)
‘Heavy-handed’ reaction to man feeding pigeons
ARETIRED man who has fed birds in Bath for 40 years has been left “gobsmacked” after what he says was a “heavy-handed” response to feeding pigeons bird seed.
Mike Davis, who lives just outside the city centre, says he had no idea he was doing anything wrong when he scattered some seed for birds outside Bath Abbey last month.
So he said he was astonished to discover somebody was trying to fine him for it.
He said: “I was just gobsmacked, it was so heavy handed. There were two wardens and police officers, all for feeding a couple of pigeons.
“I’ve been doing it for years without a problem.
“Children and tourists always ask me for some seeds to do it themselves.
“I understand not feeding the seagulls - they are a pest.
“There are signs saying please do not feed the seagulls. But the seagulls do not eat the birdseed. I just
don’t understand it.”
The council has defended the response, saying we must “all follow the same rules” for a “clean, attractive and welcoming city.”
Avon and Somerset Police said it is unlikely officers would be called out specifically, but that police already in the area will always offer support during any disagreeements.
Mr Davis said: “I go into town a couple of times a week and I always carry a little bag of bird seed because I like to feed the birds.
“I was in Abbey Church Yard and a man who appeared to be from the council came up to me and said it was illegal. He took my photo and left.
“A couple of minutes later a man came up to me and asked for my address.
“I said ‘no, it’s none of your business’. He said ‘if you don’t tell me I’ll call the police’.
“He said it was littering and that he had proof of it on his bodycam.
“They wanted my address I can only assume to give me a fixed penalty.
“I was just gobsmacked. As soon as you put the food down it’s gone.”
Mr Davis said the situation escalated after he refused to give his name.
He said: “A few minutes later a couple of police turned up. Then a couple of minutes later a sergeant turned up and then another enforcement officer.
“The police sergeant left, came back and had a word with the enforcement officer and told me they had decided not to do anything.
“I’m not complaining about the police officers at all - they had to come. I think they were as embarrassed as anyone. But it seemed so heavy-handed.”
Wishing to complain about his treatment and seeking clarification whether his actions were in fact illegal, Mr Davis tried to get in touch with the council.
He said: “The next difficulty was getting hold of a councillor.
“Only then I found out they had hired a firm called 3GS. Up until that point I’d never heard of this.”
The private contractor 3GS is responsible for environmental enforcement in Bath and has proved controversial.
The council has defended the incident.
Cllr David Wood, cabinet member for climate emergency and neighbourhoods, said: “Council workers and contractors should always treat residents with respect, but society only works if we all follow the same rules and persistent rule breakers must be challenged.
“Feeding birds in Bath city centre encourages them to search for more food so they rip open bags of rubbish and add to the mess on our streets.
“There are notices all over the city asking people not to feed birds because we all want to enjoy a clean, attractive and welcoming city.”