Title
Consider and take action on an ordinance creating section 18-37, entitled “Feeding of Wildlife; Prohibition” of Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of League City to prohibit the feeding of wildlife in certain circumstances (Mayor Pro Tem Hicks, Councilmember Chadwell and Councilmember Saunders)
Background:
Approval of this ordinance would prohibit the feeding of wildlife in certain circumstances.
The feeding of wildlife has been known to increase the concentration of wildlife in urbanized areas and increase the likelihood of collisions between vehicles and wildlife. The overabundance of wildlife populations has been known to cause concentrated areas of biological waste containing bacteria in certain urbanized areas. The City understands that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also discourages and prohibits the artificial feeding of wildlife because it is not in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the community and wildlife populations.
Summary of Ordinance Changes:
- a person may not intentionally, knowingly or recklessly feed wildlife on private or public property within 100 feet of an area that is zoned residential.
- "wildlife" means alligators, seagulls, nutria, coyotes, bobcats and feral hogs but does not include cats.
- The following are exceptions to the feeding prohibition:
o does not apply to the placement of food into feeders kept at a minimum of 5 feet above the ground surface and intended for birds (not including seagulls).
o does not apply to the feeding of wildlife in a city park where authorized.
o does not apply to an animal control officer, veterinarian, peace officer, City employee, federal or state wildlife official, who is acting pursuant to a lawfully authorized program to treat, manage, capture, trap, hunt, or remove wildlife and who is acting within the scope of the person's authority.
o It is an affirmative defense if a person places food, in good faith, for the purpose of feeding domestic livestock or domestic pets located on their property.
- A person who commits a violation of this ordinance will first be given a warning and will be provided with information on the negative impacts of wildlife feeding. A second offense may result in prosecution in municipal court by a fine of not more than $200.00.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Ordinance.
FUNDING
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STRATEGIC PLANNING
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