"I firmly believe that threatening five years in prison or an unlimited fine is both disgraceful, shockingly heavy handed and clearly illegal. The sign was bullying, dictatorial, threatening and racist; targeting and scapegoating specific cultures for committing crimes against our streets."
"A five-year prison sentence is typically handed down for violent offences such as causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), certain firearms offences and high-level drug supply, making the bird-feeding threat grossly disproportionate."
"Brent Council apologised, but admitted the installation of the inaccurate sign, which is more than two years old, and said the wording did not reflect how we would communicate with residents today."
Brent Council placed a sign near Kilburn Tube station in north-west London warning residents that feeding birds could result in up to five years imprisonment or unlimited fines. The sign was translated into five South Asian languages and described bird feeding as a crime. Wildlife officers and volunteers criticized the sign as illegal and disproportionate, noting that five-year sentences are typically reserved for serious violent crimes. The council apologized, admitting the sign was over two years old and did not reflect current communication standards. Brent Council has implemented a Public Space Protection Order banning wild animal feeding to address antisocial behavior and hygiene concerns, with actual penalties being fixed penalty notices ranging from 150 to 500 pounds.
#local-government-enforcement #bird-feeding-regulations #public-space-protection-orders #community-relations #disproportionate-penalties
Read at www.bbc.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]