Rotterdam is set to ban feeding bread to ducks from July 1, following in the footsteps of other cities such as Amsterdam and Leiden.

The animal rights party PvdD tabled a motion in the city council to outlaw feeding wild animals across the port city which was backed by other parties including the CDA, D66 and 50Plus.

Discarded bread has been blamed for an increase in the rat population as well as attracting mice and seagulls. The PvdD also says the high salt content in bread is unhealthy for ducks, while mould on bread can be fatal.

People who ignore the ban will be fined under local regulations (APV), though the city has not said what the penalty will be. In Amsterdam feeding animals in the street can be punished with a €70 fine.

For those who want to carry on feeding animals in the park, the conservation organisation Vogelbescherming has published advice on its website about what constitutes a healthy avian diet. Maize, peas or salad leaves are more suitable for ducks, or you can buy duck food pellets in pet shops and online.