[HISTORY: Adopted by the Council of the City
of New Rochelle as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
[Adopted 9-20-2016 by Ord. No. 180-2016[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch.
319, Waterfowl, Art. I, Feeding Prohibited, adopted 3-19-1996 by Ord.
No. 58-1996.
A.
The City Council finds that the feeding of wildlife in public areas
can cause harm to both people and animals. Wildlife can carry many
diseases that readily spread to people, pets and livestock. These
diseases include rabies, Lyme disease, salmonellosis, Rocky Mountain
spotted fever, tularemia, distemper and encephalitis. In addition,
most wildlife species carry parasites that are also easily transferred
to humans. For example, raccoon round worms can be fatal to humans,
and scabies mites cause mange in pets. Moreover, though wildlife may
accept food from people, they will likely not get the balanced diet
they need for good health. Animals that are fed by humans often lose
their natural fear of people, and any wild animal, no matter how timid,
is capable of inflicting injury to humans, pets and livestock.
B.
The City Council finds, based upon extensive investigation, that
feeding wildlife in public areas adversely affects the health, safety
and welfare of the residents of the City of New Rochelle.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
The feeding of wildlife shall mean the placing of any food
substances on public property within 100 feet of any wildlife.
Shall include any animal which is not normally domesticated
in the State of New York, including but not limited to coyotes, deer,
turkeys, feral cats, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and birds, inclusive
of waterfowl and pigeons.
It shall be unlawful for any person to feed, provide food, or
assist another person in the feeding of wildlife defined herein in,
from, or upon any park or public property. No person shall purposely
or knowingly leave or store any refuse, garbage, food product, pet
food, forage product or supplement, salt, seed, birdseed, fruit or
grain in a manner that would constitute an attractant to any wildlife
as defined herein.
Any violation of this article shall be considered an offense
punishable by a fine of not more than $250 or by imprisonment for
not more than 15 days, or by both a fine and imprisonment.
