Couple told not to feed birds in their own garden

Aug 10 2008 by Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun

FEATHERS are flying in a North village after environmental health officers banned a couple from feeding wild birds . . . in their own back garden.

Mick and June Dunny, of Belford, Northumberland, welcome sparrows and more to the small bird table in their blossoming garden, enticing them in with biscuit crumbs and other delights.

But feeding the birds is considered a noisy and dirty hobby by Berwick upon Tweed council who said they have received a complaint.

In a letter sent to the couple’s home they threatened to take action unless the Dunnys stop immediately.

The letter said: “Birds cause some considerable problem in forms of noise and dirt. Not only do their droppings damage and contaminate property, the birds also carry various diseases such as salmonella.

“If they are encouraged into an area and build nests, these nests can cause problems, such as blocking chimneys, flues and gutters. Food put out for the birds will also attract rats and vermin.

“If we establish that a nuisance or pest problem does exist, we may have to consider further action.”

Mick, 69, a retired foreman and joiner, has branded the demand as “completely crazy” and vowed to continue putting food out for his feathered friends.

He said: “Let them put me in jail . . . it’s just crazy. What do they mean by noise? I’d hardly describe the dawn chorus as noise. And we’ve never once seen a rat or mouse in the garden. My wife was very angry but I just thought it was a joke at first, a wind-up.

“Every day I put out four biscuits for the birds and it’s normally house sparrows who come and take them.

“We are surrounded by huge trees and the area is swarming with bird life. We are a country village and more than 90 per cent of the people here feed birds.

“I’m just going to carry on as I am . . . it’s my human right to feed the birds, after all.”

A council spokeswoman said: “We are unable to discuss individual cases but if we receive a complaint about any matter which could cause an environmental health issue it is our responsibility to follow it up.

“Feeding the birds can sometimes cause problems if, for example, inappropriate foodstuffs are put out which can cause fly infestations or even rats.”

A spokesman for the RSPB added: “Feeding birds is a popular activity. Over half of adults in the UK feed birds in their garden.

“Providing birds with supplementary food brings them closer so that we can marvel at their exciting behaviour and wonderful colours. It also helps the birds by overcoming periods of natural food shortage, helping them survive periods of severe winter weather.

“However, it is important that we are not attracting vermin by putting out too much food at one time.”