Move follows numerous complaints from local residents.
Rome’s mayor has banned a woman from feeding pigeons from her window ledge after neighbours complained about the mess and stench caused by the flocks of birds.
The woman, dubbed “The Pigeon Lady” by the media, is accused of giving food to dozens of pigeons from her third-floor apartment in the city’s south-eastern Appio Claudio district.
Local residents claimed the situation was out of control and that they were being “held hostage” by the birds and the guano and feathers they left on the street and cars parked below.
Neighbours have repeatedly filmed the woman placing food outside her window, and they allege she has been feeding the birds seeds and chicken.
They have raised health concerns and even claimed that homes in the area had become devalued as a result of the birds.
The city’s order, issued after inspections carried out by health authorities and police, said the bird feeding had triggered an “exponential increase in the population of urban pigeons/doves near the apartment”.
The city said this had compromised “hygienic and sanitary conditions” at the apartment block and, although “there is still no evidence of direct health problems,” the situation is potentially risky “for public health.”
The order also obliged the woman to clean and disinfect the affected areas at her own expense, “restoring appropriate hygiene, safety and health conditions”.
The woman has defended her actions, telling news outlet RomaToday that she is an animal rights activist with the Italian league for bird protection (LIPU).
She stated that she rescues animals in distress and doesn’t feed them “for a hobby”, saying that if she puts out food for one pigeon, others were “bound to come.”
The woman, who also claimed she has been the victim of slander and threats, told RomaToday that she will comply with the order and hopes the birds will stay away.
