No feeding allowed!

Wild geese and other water birds have felt at home in Offenbach for decades and can be seen more and more in and around the waterways just in time for spring. The problem is that many citizens believe they are doing something good when they scatter leftover bread and other food to feed waterfowl and pigeons. However, this is not only unhealthy for the animals, but also causes them to multiply uncontrollably and increase contamination in the affected areas. Christian Broos, Head of the "Clean Offenbach" Stabsstelle, points out another effect:

In 2020, signs were therefore put up in several places, particularly on the banks of the Main, indicating the city's ban on feeding birds. Another sign has now been added in the area of the harbor steps, as there have been repeated complaints about bird droppings there over the past year.

Pascal Becker, head of the city police, hopes that the supposed animal lovers will understand this: "Unfortunately, some citizens are still unaware that feeding pigeons, waterfowl and fish in the city of Offenbach is not only expressly prohibited, but can also be punished with a fine of up to 500 euros." The public order office will continue to carry out regular checks this year with its city police and report violations of the feeding ban. The basis for the feeding ban is the City of Offenbach's hazard prevention ordinance, according to which the public order office is required to address and, if necessary, punish misconduct.