A resident in Gatineau was surprised to receive a warning from the city threatening a $400 fine for having a bird feeder in her backyard. Ashley Robillard, who had recently set up the bird feeder on a tree in her yard, was informed of the complaint by a city officer while she was away on April 17. Upon returning, she found a notice from the city, causing her dismay.
Expressing her love for animals and nature, Robillard was disheartened by the complaint, as the tree already attracted birds with their melodious songs each morning. Wondering why she shouldn’t feed them, she opted to keep the feeder empty after being cautioned by the city.
Following her communication with the city officials, Robillard was warned that a subsequent complaint could lead to a court appearance and a $400 penalty. Consequently, she refrained from refilling the feeder and contemplated removing it from the tree, even informing her three-year-old daughter that they couldn’t feed the birds anymore, much to her child’s disappointment.
In Gatineau’s bylaw concerning animal care, there is a provision on bird feeders prohibiting the feeding or attraction of birds on any property. However, small bird feeders for specific bird species like chickadees and goldfinches are permitted, provided they are squirrel- and wildlife-proof and do not create unhygienic conditions.
The city acknowledged receiving a complaint about bird feeding and dispatched an officer to investigate, although Robillard was not present at home during the visit. According to city spokesperson Nancy Villeneuve, a ticket is only issued if an infraction is witnessed by the officer. If no violation can be confirmed, a warning notice is left to remind residents of the regulation.
Robillard contemplated replacing her feeder with one featuring a larger seed catcher, but she expressed concerns about facing another complaint. Questioning the necessity of legal action over a bird feeder, she highlighted the widespread availability of such items and queried the rationale behind the law.