Vancouver reinforces not feeding pigeons with fake dating ad

A new online campaign from the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is using humour to get people to stop feeding pigeons.

The issue, according to the parks department, is that feeding the pigeons causes more pigeons.

“Pigeons normally breed two or three times a year,” reads a social media post from the parks board. “Overfed city pigeons can breed up to eight times a year.”

Given how birds, humans, and all animals procreate, the parks board created a (fake) online dating profile à la Tinder for a pigeon who’s “looking for short-term fun” and “looking for a frisky pigeon to Netflix and chill.”

The pigeon, named Kyle, is just nine months old (pigeons can start breeding at six months).  According to the profile, he lives in Vancouver and enjoys human foods, scavenging for food, and free food, which seems accurate for a pigeon.

“Keep the Kyles in check and let wild animals be wild. Let them find their own food,” reads the post.

The profile includes a “photo” (it appears to have been created via AI image generator Reve) of Kyle wearing a pink hoodie.

A health issue

Flocking pigeons are a health issue in Vancouver, the parks board notes.

“Too many pigeons leads to overcrowded, unsanitary conditions and sick birds,” reads the post. “Large pigeon populations can also spread diseases to people, dirty public spaces with droppings, and do costly damage to buildings.”

$500 fines

The city isn’t just letting people know about the breeding habits of rock pigeons for fun. Feeding the birds could lead to a $500 fine.

“Our bylaw strictly prohibits the feeding of wildlife anywhere in Vancouver,” reads the city’s website.

The only animals you’re allowed to feed in Vancouver are hummingbirds and other birds via bird feeders on private property; they must be kept clean and away from other wildlife.