Venice has decided to start fining
backpacking tourists and locals that feed the pigeons in the famous St Mark's Square, it has been revealed.
Like Trafalgar Square in London, the pigeons were as much part of the city's attractions as its architecture and culture.
However, authorities have decided that the damage to historical buildings from pigeon droppings has gone too far and has threatened to fine those that flout the ban on selling pigeon feed as much as €50, reports the HeraldSun.
One vendor commented: "The monuments aren't being damaged by the bird droppings.
"They want to send them away, just like they want to kick us out, and we've been here for decades."
Authorities maintain that the damage to monuments cost taxpayers around €275 per year.
Meanwhile, pigeon feeding was banned in London in 2002 and tourists caught doing so could face a hefty £50 (€64) fine.
As a result, pigeon numbers have reportedly fallen from an average of 4,000 to as little 200 over busy lunchtime periods in the square.
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