Title
Ordinance No. 18-114 amending Section 102 and creating new Section 121 (Limitations on Feeding of Wildlife) of Article 7 (Regulations of Animals- General Provisions) of Chapter 6 (Neighborhood Vitality/ Community Health) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to the feeding wildlife and providing penalties for the violation thereof.
Presenter:
Bret Waters, Deputy Chief of Staff
Body
Summary:
This change to the City Code is part of an ongoing effort to curtail the feeding of urban wildlife within the City limits and reinforces State law banning the feeding of wildlife. This change to City Code section 6.7.102 and the creation of City Code section 6.7.121 will prohibit the feeding of wildlife and will provide penalties to individuals who feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife endangers the health and safety of both residents and animals through increased risk of vehicle strikes and an increased reliance of the animals on human provided food.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife notified City Council in the fall of 2017 that the feeding of the urban deer population was contributing to the overpopulation of deer within City limits and creating a dangerous environment for both wildlife as well as residents. Feeding wildlife endangers the health and safety of both residents and animals through increased risk of vehicle strikes and an increased reliance of the animals on human provided food. Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommended action be taken to curtail this activity.
It will be a noncriminal civil infraction for a person, without authorization, to feed any wildlife within the City. Wildlife is defined as any undomesticated animal species including but not limited to bear, skunks, raccoon, wolf, coyote, fox, deer, elk, moose, or antelope. Feeding is defined as placing, depositing, distributing or scattering grain, hay, minerals, salt or other foods for consumption. Birdfeeders and the feeding of domesticated animals and livestock are not prohibited by this code change. Additionally, prior to issuance of a citation under this section, the person being cited must have been issued a written warning or previous charge under this section within the prior six (6) months.
Councilmembers Knight, Pico, and Bennett requested this code change following a public process related to the proliferation of the deer population within the City limits.
Financial Implications:
N/A
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
Council could choose not to adopt the ordinance.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Approve an ordinance amending Section 102 and creating new Section 121 (Limitations on Feeding of Wildlife) of Article 7 (Regulations of Animals- General Provisions) of Chapter 6 (Neighborhood Vitality/ Community Health) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to the feeding wildlife and providing penalties for the violation thereof.
Summary of Ordinance Language
An ordinance making it a noncriminal civil infraction for a person, without authorization, to feed any wildlife, as defined, within the City limits.