Common sense has gone to the birds

10 July 2026

Statement by Comittee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham

There has been considerable confusion and misinformation this week regarding a notice issued by our Environmental Health Practitioners, and it is important to clarify the facts.

The notice started circulating on social media and it has since become fodder for politicians intent on generating fake outrage.

Let me be clear: the City has not banned bird feeders, and this resident was not issued a notice simply for having one.

For what it’s worth, a neighbour complained that there were too many animals and the yard was dirty and attracting rodents.

On inspection, it was clear that conditions were unhygienic and there were many dozens of birds being kept inside and outside the house, with many cats, rabbits, birds and other animals being kept. There were also Wendy house structures used to keep birds for which there were not approved plans.

The sprinkling of bird seed, and in general the lack of cleanliness, would attract rodents, and so the notice was issued.

Ordinarily the feeding of birds is not prohibited, unless it becomes a hygiene and rodent problem and causes neighbours to complain, as in this case.

EHPs generally do proactive monitoring in public spaces – concerns around private spaces are usually complaints-driven. It is also important to note that, in the last nearly five years since this by-law has been in effect, this is but the fourth such notice issued – again, due to the risk of exacerbating existing health risks/nuisances.

It really is unfortunate that the lawful and necessary actions of officials who are simply trying to protect, and promote public safety, have been turned into a cheap attempt at scoring political points.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office