Feeding ban in Zoetermeer: ​​this is why we are no longer allowed to feed animals

A feeding ban has been in place in Zoetermeer since October 24. This means that we are no longer allowed to feed the ducks, but also other water birds and wild animals.

The feeding ban prevents nuisance from rats and other vermin, and it protects the health of wild animals.

No more bread for waterfowl

Feeding the ducks bread with your child is no longer an option from now on. Bread and food scraps are unhealthy for wildlife. It contains too few nutrients, which makes animals sick more quickly. In addition, they should look for food themselves. “There is plenty of food to be found in nature,” says the municipality.

Rats like it porridge

Food scraps are also often left behind in nature or in the water. This causes the quality of the water to deteriorate. It attracts pests such as rats, but also seagulls, pigeons and geese. This can then cause nuisance to other animals or to ourselves. So: keep those bread crusts with you!

Huppakee, in the green bin

Do you think it’s a shame to throw away old bread and other food scraps? Instead of feeding it to wild animals, you can use your leftovers to make a tasty meal. Otherwise you can put it in the green bin. For example, together with vegetable, fruit and garden waste, the municipality has it turned into green gas or raw materials.

Residents in Zoetermeer with underground containers in the street or in the apartment building can dispose of this waste directly in the organic waste container. Do you have a green wheelie bin? Then your leftovers can go in there nicely. You can pick up free waste bins at the City Hall or at the Self-bringing Depot at Argonstraat 25.

Maintain that trade

If you do feed animals within built-up areas, you may be approached by a special investigating officer (boa). First a warning follows, followed by a fine if necessary.

Good to know: The proposed feeding ban does not apply to people with a fishing license who feed the fish, dog owners who give the dog a reward in public and bird food in your own garden.