1 hour ago
Last Updated:February 04, 2026, 19:48 IST
The elderly woman had previously been fined for feeding wild birds and had promised not to repeat the offence.
Despite knowing it was illegal, she continued feeding pigeons between July 2025 to January this year. (File photo)
A 71-year-old Indian-origin woman was fined Rs 2,27,556 (SGD 3,200) on Wednesday under the Singapore Wildlife Act for feeding pigeons on nine occasions over six months in the city-state’s oldest housing estates.
Sanmugamnathan Shamla, a Singaporean resident of Toa Payoh housing estate, pleaded guilty to four charges, with another five similar charges taken into consideration.
She had previously been fined for feeding wild birds and had promised not to repeat the offence.
The court heard that Shamla was earlier fined SGD 1,200 in May last year for illegally feeding birds near her apartment and had disrupted a Parks Board (NParks) pigeon trapping exercise.
Despite knowing it was illegal, she continued feeding pigeons between July 2025 and January 2026.
“The accused stands before you as a repeat offender," said the NParks prosecutor, adding that Shamla showed a “persistent disregard for the law."
The prosecutor noted that she had promised during her previous conviction not to re-offend but returned to her “old ways" within a month. While acknowledging her age, the court said only a “meaningful financial penalty" would deter her.
Shamla, who appeared unrepresented, requested a fine in the “SGD 1,000 to 2,000 range," explaining she was unemployed and had no medical insurance.
She added, “I will make up the balance… by community service." When the court set the fine, she agreed to pay it immediately.
As a repeat offender intentionally feeding wildlife without written approval, Shamla could have faced fines of up to SGD 10,000 per charge.
(With inputs from PTI)
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First Published:
February 04, 2026, 19:48 IST
News world 71-Year-Old Indian-Origin Woman In Singapore Fined Over Rs 2 Lakh For Feeding Pigeons
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