Manchester Woman Fined £150 for Feeding Pigeon a Tortilla Piece
A simple birthday outing in Manchester turned into a distressing and costly experience for 23-year-old Sam Ekins from Huddersfield. On March 9, Sam and her partner were enjoying a wrap while sitting outside a McDonald's in Piccadilly Gardens when a pigeon approached their table. Without giving it much thought, Sam tore off a small piece of tortilla and dropped it on the ground for the bird.
Instant Penalty for a Seemingly Harmless Act
Within moments, the situation escalated dramatically. An enforcement officer approached the couple and issued Sam with a £150 fixed penalty notice for littering. Sam was left in disbelief, stating that the piece of food had already been eaten by pigeons before the officer even reached them. "The food was literally gone before he’d even approached us," she explained. "I pointed to the ground and told him there was nothing left."
The encounter left Sam visibly shaken and feeling vulnerable. She described the officer as physically imposing, standing over six feet tall, while she is quite short and her partner is a wheelchair user. "It was quite scary. I felt very vulnerable in that moment," Sam recounted, highlighting the intimidating nature of the interaction.
Unaware of the Offense and Financial Strain
Sam insists she had no idea that feeding a bird could be considered an offense. Growing up in Southport, she had always viewed feeding birds as a harmless activity. "I didn’t think twice about it. I’ve always fed birds before," she said. She initially believed the officer was only issuing a warning when he asked for her identification, but "as soon as he took my details, that was it. Suddenly it was a £150 fine."
The penalty has hit the couple particularly hard financially. They recently moved to Huddersfield and are living on a tight budget while furnishing their new home. Sam's partner, who is disabled and cannot work, relies on benefits, meaning they are essentially living on one income. "To be hit with a fine like that for feeding a bird feels unbelievable," Sam expressed. In response, the pair have launched a GoFundMe page to help cover the fine while they challenge the notice.
Council's Stance and Ongoing Review
Manchester City Council maintains that dropping food on the ground—whether for birds or otherwise—constitutes littering. A spokesperson stated that enforcement officers may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) if they witness such an offense, emphasizing that food litter can attract vermin and damage public spaces. "Residents and visitors have a shared responsibility to help keep Manchester clean and green," the spokesperson added.
However, officials confirmed that Sam's case is currently on hold while her circumstances are reviewed, offering a glimmer of hope for the couple. The incident has sparked a wider debate online about the strict enforcement of littering rules and whether common acts like feeding birds should attract such steep penalties.
Psychological Impact and Broader Implications
The experience has left Sam feeling anxious about returning to Manchester. "I’m scared to go out in Manchester now," she admitted. "I feel like I might break a law I’ve never even heard of." This case raises important questions about public awareness, enforcement discretion, and the balance between maintaining cleanliness and fostering a compassionate community environment.
