A resident in Gatineau expressed surprise after receiving a warning from the city regarding a bird feeder in her backyard that could lead to a $400 fine. Ashley Robillard set up the bird feeder on a tree in her yard earlier this month, but a complaint was made to the city’s bylaw services, resulting in a visit from an officer on April 17 while Robillard was away. Upon returning, she discovered a notice from the city.
Robillard, who values animals and nature, found it disheartening that someone complained about the feeder, as the tree was already frequented by birds singing every morning. She questioned the necessity of the complaint, stating, “We love animals, we love nature and there were already birds in this tree singing every morning and it’s really sweet. So I’m like, why not feed them?”
Following the city’s warning, Robillard decided to keep the feeder empty and is considering removing it from the tree. She has even informed her three-year-old daughter that they can no longer feed the birds, which saddened her child as well.
The City of Gatineau’s bylaw on the “keeping, control and care of animals” prohibits feeding or attracting birds on any property, except for small birds like chickadees and goldfinches. The bylaw specifies that feeders must be designed to be squirrel- and wildlife-proof and must not create unsanitary conditions.
City officials confirmed receiving a complaint about bird feeding and dispatched an officer to investigate, although no one was present at the time of the visit. The city issues a ticket only if an infraction is observed by the officer. Otherwise, a notice is left as a warning or reminder of the regulation when no one is at the address or if the officer cannot confirm an infraction.
Robillard is contemplating replacing her feeder with one that has a larger seed catcher but expresses concern about facing another complaint. She questioned the need for such regulations, stating, “It made me nervous, like, why bring me to court for a bird feeder? They sell bird feeders everywhere, so why is there a law on that?”
