We are no longer allowed to feed animals in Zoetermeer and this is why

In the past, as a toddler or together with your child, you must have walked to the ditch with a bag of bread crusts to feed ducks. This has recently been banned in Zoetermeer and is even subject to a high fine.

The ban does not only apply to feeding ducks, but to all animals within built-up areas.

Our food is not animal feed

Even if it is well-intentioned: our food waste is not good for animals at all. It fills them up, but it contains too few nutrients. In addition, our bread, or other food, can be dangerous for (wild) animals. Just think of deer buck Harry van het Rokkeveen deer camp who did not survive the spoiled leftovers of a neighbour.

Rats like it

In addition, food residues often remain behind in nature or in the water. This attracts pests such as rats, but also seagulls, pigeons and geese. They can then cause a 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 still use it to make a tasty meal, or you can put it in the green bin. Together with vegetable, fruit and garden waste, the municipality has it turned into green gas or raw materials, for example.

Zoetermeer residents with underground containers in the street or apartment building can dispose of this waste directly in the GFT container. Do you have a green click? Then your food scraps can fit nicely in it. You can pick up free waste bins at the Town Hall or at the Self-bringer depot at Argonstraat 25.

That will be paid

In the General local regulation (APV) of the municipality of Zoetermeer, article (2:44) has now been amended: Feeding birds or animals is prohibited in Zoetermeer. If you do throw your bam in the water for the ducks, you will first receive a warning. But in the end, the fine can be up to 140 euros. You can buy a lot of fresh bread for that!