Residents of the municipality of Bacău who feed stray animals or birds in public areas may face fines ranging from 300 to 1,500 lei under new local regulations adopted by the City Council.
The provision is included in Local Council Decision No. 403/2026, adopted on August 31, which amended and supplemented the municipality’s regulations concerning the use and maintenance of public spaces.
According to the decision, feeding “stray animals or birds on public property, in places that may cause discomfort, dirt or risks to public health” is prohibited. The regulation explicitly states that feeding is permitted only in authorized locations.
Individuals who violate the provision may be fined between 300 and 1,500 lei.
However, the new rule raises questions regarding its practical implementation. The decision does not specify which locations are considered “authorized” for feeding animals and birds, nor does the provision establish a procedure for authorizing such places.
As a result, residents who wish to responsibly feed a stray animal in a public area would first need to know where this can legally be done. In the absence of clearly designated locations or an authorization procedure, the provision could leave room for different interpretations.
The local regulations also prohibit the abandonment or disposal of food waste on public property when this results in littering or the accumulation of food remains.
The rules are intended, among other things, to maintain public cleanliness and prevent situations that could cause discomfort, create potential infection risks or affect public health.
The wording of the new provision, however, goes beyond sanctioning the unwanted consequences of feeding animals, such as litter or food waste. It also establishes an additional condition, namely that feeding must take place exclusively in authorized locations.
For individuals, the fine for violating the provision can reach 1,500 lei under Local Council Decision No. 403/2026.
