Feeding birds or wild animals may seem like a humane idea, but the law does not always view this favourably, nor does it do so everywhere. For example, putting up a bird feeder may breach conservation regulations for certain areas, amongst other things.
The publication *Sudovo-Yuridicheskaya Gazeta* reported on situations in which a good deed can result in a fine.
This does not constitute a separate breach
The mere fact of setting up a small, individual bird feeder in the forest does not constitute an offence, and therefore no administrative liability arises.
Penalties may be imposed specifically for actions which, at the time they were committed, breached specific statutory provisions.
Damage to trees
Provided that the feeder is detachable and does not harm the plant in any way, this does not constitute a breach.
However, if a tree or shrub has been damaged in order to install a bird feeder, it is quite possible to be fined between 510 and 1,020 UAH. Such penalties for members of the public are provided for in Article 65 of the Code of Administrative Offences. If the person has already been prosecuted for similar actions within the past year, the fine may rise to between 1,020 and 1,530 UAH.
An important point to note: simply hammering a nail or screwing a screw into a tree does not in itself result in a fine. It is the actual damage to the tree that must be proven.
Stable feeding of animals
But what if you want to feed forest animals rather than birds? This may be regarded as biotechnical measures aimed at improving the living conditions of game animals.
The Law ‘On Hunting’ states that such activities are carried out by users of hunting grounds.
"Before installing such structures, it is necessary to take into account who uses the relevant hunting grounds and land plot, and what legal regime applies in that area," the specialist publication emphasises.
Special areas
Special rules apply in nature reserves, national nature parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Setting up a bird feeder may constitute a breach of these rules.
If such feeding infringes the regulations of a nature reserve or landscape park, a fine of between 153 and 408 UAH will be imposed under Article 91 of the Administrative Offences Code.
Do no harm to others
If it is established that the installation of a bird feeder contravenes the Law ‘On the Animal Kingdom’ with regard to the requirements for the protection of habitats, breeding conditions and migration routes of wild animals, a further fine of 510–850 UAH will be imposed under Article 87 of the Administrative Offences Code.
Littering in the countryside
One particular point to note is whether people leave behind packaging and plastic bags after feeding the animals. This may be regarded as littering the forest with waste. Under Article 73 of the Administrative Code, this carries a fine of between 425 and 850 UAH.
Key checklist
So there is neither a specific ban nor a requirement to obtain a specific permit to set up a bird feeder. However, you cannot simply do whatever you like in the countryside. Therefore, before setting up a feeding station, you need to find out the following information:
- who owns or uses the plot of land;
- whether it forms part of a hunting ground;
- whether the plot forms part of the nature reserve fund;
- Are there any special restrictions in place there, and if so, what are they?;
- Will the feeder damage the plant to which it is attached?
EcoPolitic also recently discussed whether it is permitted to cut down dead trees in the forest, as well as the fines for burning dry grass and leaves.
