2026年7月1日、ハトが増えすぎて、公園でのトウモロコシ販売を禁止July 1, 2026 — A City Bans Corn Sales in Its Parks Because There Are Too Many Pigeons

The city of Loja, in southern Ecuador, has banned the sale of corn at kiosks in its parks and plazas. The reason: children buy the corn to feed pigeons, and the pigeon population has grown out of control.

According to the city's Hygiene Commission, Resolution 034-2025 limits what kiosks may sell to confectionery, religious items, candles, and flowers -- corn is not on the list.

Around the central Plaza de Santo Domingo, residents complained that "benches can no longer be used, nor can people walk through the space, because of the pigeons, their droppings, and the stained ground." David Maldonado, director of economic management, said, "In the case of confectionery stands, selling corn is not authorized."

The city also cited pigeon droppings damaging building facades and posing respiratory risks. Kiosk operators, officials said, had never actually requested permits to sell corn in the first place.