File #: 24-1575    Name: Feeding Wildlife in Parks Ordinance
Type: Ordinance Status: Approved
In control: City Council Regular Meeting
On agenda: 5/21/2024 Final action: 5/21/2024
Title: Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 26, "Animal Control", by Amending Section 26-1, "Definitions", to Define "Waterfowl", and Amending Section 26-38 to Prohibit the Feeding of Animals other than Pets and Waterfowl on City Property
Attachments: 1. Ordinance
Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 26, "Animal Control", by Amending Section 26-1, "Definitions", to Define "Waterfowl", and Amending Section 26-38 to Prohibit the Feeding of Animals other than Pets and Waterfowl on City Property


Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
(5D: Develop sustainable quality of life improvements within the City of McKinney).

MEETING DATE: May 21, 2024

DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Code Services

CONTACT: Ashley Thompson, Animal Services Manager
Michael Quint, Executive Director of Development Services


RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
* Approve the proposed ordinance.

ITEM SUMMARY:
* Staff is proposing an amendment to Chapter 26 (Animal Control) that prohibits the feeding of animals on city-owned property, with limited exceptions.

* Specifically, staff is proposing to amend Section 26-38 (Unlawful Acts Enumerated) of the Code of Ordinances to include:

o It shall be unlawful for a person to intentionally feed or otherwise make food available to an animal on city property, including a city park. This prohibition shall not apply to:

* the feeding of a normal household pet, such as a dog or cat, or the feeding of waterfowl, so long as the feeding does not:

* threaten the health and safety of the public;

* generally interrupt the tranquility of the location; or

* otherwise cause a public nuisance.

o a feeding that is specifically authorized by the city.

* The definition of waterfowl is defined to include ducks, geese, and swans. Individuals can still feed waterfowl.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
* Staff presented to the City Council in the February 6th work session to discuss an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wildlife in city parks. At the meeting, City Council members expressed their concern against prohibiting feeding ducks/geese at city parks. The City Council indicated that they were comfortable with Staff drafting ordinance amendments if the aforementioned c...

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