A 71-year-old Indian-origin woman in Singapore has been fined more than Rs 2 lakh after repeatedly feeding pigeons near her home, despite earlier penalties and warnings from authorities.Sanmugamnathan Shamla was ordered to pay S$3,200 (Rs 2.26 lakh) after admitting to four charges under the Singapore Wildlife Act. Another five offences were taken into consideration. The case was reported by Channel NewsAsia.According to the court, Shamla had been feeding pigeons around her Toa Payoh housing block over a period of six months. This was not her first offence. In May 2025, she had already been fined S$1,200 for feeding wild birds near her home and for interfering with a National Parks Board pigeon-trapping operation.Despite that conviction, officers continued to spot her scattering grain and bread between July 2025 and January 2026. According to charge sheets, the incidents took place at Block 62B Lorong 4, Toa Payoh, sometimes late at night, attracting large flocks of pigeons that gathered around her.During the court hearing, Shamla asked to see the evidence against her. Four video clips were played in court, showing her standing amid a crowd of pigeons and throwing food on the ground. Other footage showed birds converging as she walked away.An NParks prosecutor told the court the case “clearly presents a pattern of recalcitrant behaviour”, adding: “The accused stands before you as a repeat offender” with a “persistent disregard for the law”.The court was told that Shamla had earlier promised not to repeat the offence and had even approached her MP, saying she was “deeply remorseful”. “However, just three days after this, she was caught committing the same offence,” the prosecutor said, describing it as “a calculated willingness” to break the law. Shamla appeared in court without a lawyer and said she was unemployed and had no insurance. She also asked if the fine could be “in the S$1,000 to S$2,000”. “I will make up the balance … by community service,” she added. After the total fine was announced, she told the judge she would pay it the same day.Under the Wildlife Act, repeat offenders who intentionally feed wildlife without approval can be fined up to S$10,000 per charge.
