Woman Fined for Feeding Squirrels in Surquillo Park: A Debate on Animal Welfare and Municipal Rules

Surquillo woman fined for feeding squirrels: 'I can't sleep thinking about it' A Surquillo resident, identified only as Mary Luz, is facing a S/2,600 fine for repeatedly feeding squirrels in a local park. The municipality stated the fine was due to a repeated violation of a regulation prohibiting feeding birds in public spaces. "They come to my window, begging for food," Mary Luz said in an emotional interview, captured in a viral video by La República. "The squirrels need to survive. They're not pigeons; pigeons will always survive." She explained that the squirrels frequent her condominium area and that she feels compassion for them. The incident has sparked a debate on social media about the balance between animal welfare and municipal ordinances. Some commenters sympathize with Mary Luz, while others support the municipality's enforcement of the rules. The video's popularity indicates widespread interest in the case and the broader issues it raises. The story underscores the need for clearer communication of municipal regulations and perhaps a more nuanced approach to dealing with wildlife in urban areas.