Dispute escalates over bird feeding at Kajaani River in Finland

In Kajaani, the ongoing dispute regarding the feeding of birds by the Kajaani River has escalated to criminal allegations. A group of volunteers has vowed to continue feeding the birds despite the city’s prohibitions. In August, the local government prohibited wildlife feeding across the entire urban zoning area, expanding from previously localized bans. This sweeping restriction has been justified by concerns that feeding attracts not only more birds but also unwanted species like rats.

One of the volunteers, Keijo Nevaranta, expressed his commitment to civil disobedience regarding this issue. For years, this group has been providing food to ducks that winter in the river, worrying about their survival as a resident population of non-migratory ducks has developed in Kajaani. Nevaranta stressed that their efforts are motivated by the welfare of the birds rather than human enjoyment, estimating that the ducks could require as much as 4,000 to 6,000 kilos of food during winter.

Despite the city’s recent legal complaint about unauthorized feeding, which city engineer Matti Nousiainen confirmed, the police have yet to initiate a formal investigation. According to Oulu police’s criminal investigator Elli Törmänen, the city’s report has been documented and is in preliminary evaluation to determine whether a crime has occurred, as it alleges an environmental violation by the feeders.

For Nevaranta, these allegations do not deter him. He remains focused on the welfare of the birds and expresses readiness to face severe consequences for standing up for what he believes is a noble cause.