Man faces prosecution for feeding ducks in defiance of city ban

A man in Kajaani is under consideration for prosecution on environmental charges after allegedly feeding wild birds in violation of a municipal ban, according to a report by Kainuun Sanomat.

Keijo Nevaranta, a local resident, denies being present on the day in question and says he is considering filing a police report for false accusation. He told Yle he had previously been willing to go to prison over the issue.

The case stems from Kajaani’s 2024 decision to prohibit the feeding of wild animals on city-controlled zoned land. Volunteers continued feeding the birds despite the ban, prompting the city to file a criminal complaint.

Nevaranta claims the evidence against him includes social media posts and a Yle article in which he appeared. He argues the city should withdraw the complaint and prosecute him only for actions he has actually taken.

Feeding wild birds is not illegal under national law, but municipalities can restrict it in certain areas. Environmental violations can result in fines or up to six months in prison.

Police initially suspended the pre-trial investigation in January 2025 but reopened it in December after new information emerged. The case was advanced to prosecution consideration following discussions with the prosecutor, who deemed it serious enough to warrant further action.

A separate complaint has been filed with the Parliamentary Ombudsman, alleging the city did not follow proper procedure in submitting the criminal report. The city maintains its environmental inspectors are authorized to report environmental offenses.

At the heart of the dispute is whether decades of winter feeding have eliminated the ducks’ migratory instincts. While bird experts argue the ducks would migrate if not fed, Nevaranta insists they would not survive the winter without intervention.