In a troubling incident, a woman was handcuffed by police and issued a £100 fixed penalty notice for feeding pigeons in a small park. The London Wildlife Protection group criticized the London Metropolitan Police for arresting one of their members who was feeding and caring for pigeons at Wealdstone Square in Harrow on January 7.
A video shared by the animal rights group showed the woman being taken away by multiple Met police officers, who stated that she was arrested for violating Section 50 of the Police Reform Act. London Wildlife Protection expressed concern over the treatment of their volunteer, labeling the police action as unfair and disgraceful.
The group emphasized the peaceful nature of feeding pigeons and announced plans to file formal complaints and pursue legal action against the unjust behavior. A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police clarified that the woman was not arrested for feeding pigeons but for refusing to provide her details to receive the fixed penalty notice, after which she was released and handled by council officers.
According to the police spokesperson, the woman, in her 40s, was approached by local council enforcement officers on Wealdstone High Street regarding anti-social behavior. Despite repeated requests for her information to issue the penalty, she declined to cooperate, leading to her arrest under Section 50 of the Police Reform Act. She was later de-arrested and managed by council officials upon providing her details.
Harrow Council confirmed that the woman breached a Public Spaces Protection Order prohibiting bird feeding in the area. Violating the order, refusing to disclose personal information, and continuing to feed pigeons were cited as offenses, resulting in a £100 fixed penalty notice. The council emphasized the importance of the order in maintaining cleanliness and safety in public spaces.