Venice to fine tourists who feed pigeons

[JoeyandDavid]

The days when Venice tolerated tourists feeding pigeons in St. Mark's Square are over. It's illegal.

The sale and distribution of grain to feed the birds is now banned, ending a tradition that attracted pigeons, and their droppings, to the most picturesque part of the lagoon city.

Fines for ignoring the ban start at 50 euros

Authorities say pigeons are eating away at the city's marble statues and buildings by pecking at small gaps in the facades to reach for scraps of food that were blown inside.

Cleaning up monuments and repairing the damage caused by pigeons cost each Venetian taxpayer 275 euros a year, one study estimated.

[zebra]

That's too bad, they were a part of San Marco's.... oh well I can understand the amount of cleaning it takes to clean those buildings - I do think they'll be able to get rid of them all though.

[TheSkipper]

Good move!! Now, if they could get rid of the pickpockets

[JoeyandDavid]

Good move!! Now, if they could get rid of the pickpockets

Mama Mia!!

[jacketwatch]

Geesh. Thats for the birds. Well someone had to say it.

[JoeyandDavid]

Geesh. Thats for the birds. Well someone had to say it.

Why?????

[jacketwatch]

I forgot to take my medicine.

[JoeyandDavid]

I forgot to take my medicine.

[Rat]

Those poor vendors will all be unemployed!

[Joanandjoe]

I'm all for a cleaner Piazza San Marco. The pigeons are dirty and agressive, and will be there anyway; but why encourage them? The new law is a good idea.

I've been to Venice twice, but Joan hasn't been there yet. Hopefully soon! L'shana Ha Ba'a b'Venice? ("Next year in Venice?")