Town of Westerly, RI Article IV Feeding of Nondomesticated Animals

[Adopted 10-29-2018 by Ch. No. 1941]

§ 76-29 Purpose.

The purpose of this article is to protect the health and safety of residents in the Town with respect to dangers associated with coyotes and other nondomesticated animals by minimizing opportunities for such animals to obtain food from sources controlled or controllable by humans.

§ 76-30 Definitions.

Words and phrases used in this article shall have the following meanings, unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context:

ATTRACTANT

Any substance which could reasonably be expected to attract or does attract coyotes or other nondomesticated animals.

FEEDING

The leaving of food of any kind where it is accessible to coyotes or other nondomesticated animals.

FOOD

All substances consumed by humans or animals for nourishment except grass and other vegetation, growing crops, and food that is canned or stored in sealed or closable containers.

§ 76-31 Prohibitions.

A. No person shall feed or in any manner provide an attractant to coyotes or other nondomesticated animals; provided that domestic pets are not attractants, and feeding pets outdoors does not create an attractant if the pet eats all the food immediately, or the remaining food is removed as soon as the pet stops eating, or the pet is fed in a secure cage or other enclosure.

B. No person shall leave, store, or maintain any food or attractant in a manner, area, or location accessible to coyotes or other nondomesticated animals.

§ 76-32 Exceptions.

A. Food for birds or squirrels that is in a feeder located within 100 feet of a residence and elevated to be inaccessible to coyotes.

B. Outdoor feeding of farm animals, provided:

(1) Animal food, when not being fed to animals, is stored in a building or a closed container;

(2) Excessive amounts of food, based on the animals' eating history, are not provided to the animals;

(3) Injured, old, feeble, or prey-sized animals are not left outside unattended; and

(4) All other reasonable efforts are made to reduce attractants to coyotes and other nondomesticated animals.

§ 76-33 Enforcement.

Violations of this article are punishable by a civil penalty of from $100 to $500 for each day of violation.