A woman in Gatineau expressed surprise after receiving a warning from the city about a potential $400 fine due to a bird feeder in her backyard. Ashley Robillard set up the bird feeder earlier this month on a tree in her yard. Following a complaint to the city’s bylaw services, an officer visited on April 17 while Robillard was away, leaving a notice. Robillard, disappointed by the complaint, emphasized her love for animals and nature, mentioning the joy of birds singing in the tree each morning. In response to the warning, she refrained from filling the feeder with seeds and is considering removing it from the tree, even explaining to her daughter why they can no longer feed the birds.
The city’s bylaw concerning the “keeping, control, and care of animals” in Gatineau prohibits feeding or attracting birds on any property. However, feeders are permitted for small birds like chickadees and goldfinches, 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 for verification, although Robillard was not present at the time. City spokesperson Nancy Villeneuve clarified that a ticket is only issued if an infraction is witnessed by the officer; otherwise, a notice serves as a warning or reminder of the regulation.
Robillard is contemplating replacing her current feeder with one featuring a larger seed catcher but expressed concerns about facing another complaint. She questioned the necessity of being taken to court over a bird feeder, given the widespread availability of such items and questioned the need for legislation on this matter.