A 68-year-old woman received a $3,500 fine on Wednesday (Nov 4) after repeatedly feeding pigeons despite multiple warnings from authorities. Shin Min Daily News reported that the woman did not pay the fine and was instead sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment.
Seven Wildlife Act Charges Brought Against Chen Qingzhu
Chen Qingzhu faced seven charges under the Wildlife Act, and she admitted to three of them during court proceedings. The remaining four charges were taken into consideration during her sentencing.
Court records show that Chen is a repeat offender who received a warning from authorities on Sept 25, 2017, for illegally feeding pigeons. She subsequently faced fines of $200 and $400 in June and September 2018 for further offences.
Did You Know? Chen received stern warnings from authorities on March 31, 2021, as well as Jan 8 and Jan 21, 2022, before enforcement officers caught her scattering rice and bread on multiple occasions between January and June of this year.
Repeated bird feeding draws fines and neighbor complaints
Despite receiving multiple fines and warnings, Chen continued to flout the rules by committing two more offenses in October 2019, for which she was fined an additional $400. Enforcement officers later caught her feeding birds using rice or bread on six separate occasions between Jan 23 and June 30.
Her actions also caused disturbances for nearby residents. Neighbors living both above and below her HDB unit complained that pigeons frequently flew into her home.
Surveillance and Enforcement Actions on Yishun Street 22
While keeping watch near Block 755, Yishun Street 22 on Aug 3, 2025, a monitoring enforcement officer observed Chen throwing rice onto the ground to nourish pigeons. The officer approached Chen and instructed her to stop feeding the birds.
Nevertheless, Chen continued feeding the pigeons, leading to the accumulation of charges that culminated in her recent court appearance and prison sentence.
Chen Qingzhu serves prison time over unpaid fines
Why was Chen Qingzhu sentenced to prison instead of paying the fine?
Shin Min Daily News reported that Chen reportedly did not pay the $3,500 fine issued to her on Wednesday (Nov 4) and was instead sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment.
How many charges did Chen face under the Wildlife Act?
Chen faced seven charges under the Wildlife Act, admitted to three of them, and had the remaining four charges taken into consideration during her sentencing.
Where was Chen spotted feeding pigeons by enforcement officers?
Monitoring the area on Aug 3, 2025, an enforcement officer witnessed Chen tossing rice on the ground to provide food for pigeons in the vicinity of Block 755, Yishun Street 22.