Board approves ordinance language to prohibit feeding wildlife in public spaces

The Board of Aldermen approved new ordinance language—proposed by the Charter & Ordinance Committee and the city attorney—that prohibits depositing food, animal feed or other refuse in public places and waters, and in privately owned spaces without owner consent. The committee framed the change as a public-health measure in response to a downtown resident’s complaint about increased rodent activity associated with people feeding wildlife. The ordinance text read at the meeting states in part that “no person shall put or place or cause to be put or placed in any street, lane, alley, or other public place in the city... any... food, animal feed, or other kinds of rubbish,” and that violation of the section “shall constitute a public health nuisance.” The civil penalty range mentioned in committee is between $50 and $500. Committee and board members clarified during debate that the proposal is not intended to restrict homeowners or tenants who have permission to place bird feeders on private property; Alderman McClure emphasized that residents with property rights may continue to feed birds on their own property with owner permission. Why it matters: The ordinance aims to reduce public-health risks and property damage by limiting the placement of food that attracts rodents and other wildlife in public spaces. It adds a clear enforcement mechanism and penalty range to existing city code. Discussion vs. decision: The board approved the ordinance language as presented from committee; attorney review had been incorporated into the version moved from committee to the full board.