Threat of demerit points is aimed at preventing outbreak
Public housing tenants will incur five demerit points if they are caught feeding birds in common areas on their estates, the Housing Department announced yesterday as part of its efforts to prevent a bird flu outbreak.
The tenants also have to pay a $1,500 fine like everyone else caught littering, officials said, as they promised to step up enforcement to maintain good hygiene in public flats.
'The droppings of feral pigeons may help spread harmful germs. The safest and most effective, economical and humane way to minimise congregation of pigeons is to avoid feeding them,' said Lau Kai-hung, deputy director of housing (estate management).
The Housing Department has rolled out a series of measures on environmental hygiene in public housing estates and markets in the wake of the bird flu outbreaks in neighbouring countries and on the mainland. It has tried to discourage pigeons and other birds from landing and roosting by trimming trees and using light and sound devices to send them away. Contractors for cleaning works have been told to increase disinfection at public areas including the markets and areas where birds gather.
The department will inspect drainage systems in public estates more frequently. It has also issued pamphlets to remind tenants to properly maintain drainage pipes, report leaks and blockages.
