(a) Generally. It is the intent of this section to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community and its wildlife by prohibiting the feeding of geese on public lands within the boundaries of the Village of Minerva Park. The feeding of geese can lead to conflicts between wild animals and people (including their pets) and dangerous situations, for people and/or result in the wild animal being killed. The feeding of geese encourages them to halt their normal migrations and establish residency in the village. The growing populations of geese result in large amounts of their droppings that can potentially spread disease. Other problems caused by droppings are excess nutrients in the village’s lakes that in turn can cause algae blooms, damage to lawns and the soiling of public areas around the village lakes and other wetlands.
(b) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
(1) “Feed.” To place, deposit scatter or distribute in a location accessible to wildlife or waterfowl/migratory birds any type of food, including, but not limited to, corn, wheat or other grains, bread, popcorn, scraps or any substance liable to be eaten by geese.
(2) “Geese.” All species of geese that are not domesticated.
(3) “Person.” Any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association or political subdivision of this state subject to municipal jurisdiction.
(c) Prohibitions.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally feed or set out food for non-domesticated geese on public lands within the boundaries of the Village of Minerva Park.
(2) A nuisance condition shall be deemed to exist for the purposes of division (c)(1) when, as a natural and predictable result of the amount and type of food given to geese, and/or the repetitive nature of the feedings, make them do any of the following in the village:
A. Create a habitat on occupied residential property;
B. Cause substantial damage to tangible personal property or real property; or
C. On more than one occasion, leaves feces on residential property.
(d) Penalties. Any person violating any of the prohibitions in this section shall be deemed guilty of a minor misdemeanor for the first offense. For the second and subsequent violations of this section, the violator shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. In addition, the court may order at the violator’s expense, removal or transfer of the geese by the appropriate company or authority.
(Ord. 5-2012, passed 2-11-2013)