The intent of this subchapter is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community and its wildlife by prohibiting the feeding of wild animals and waterfowl on public property in the city. The feeding of waterfowl and other wild animals increases the potential for damage to public parks and property, and it degrades the water quality of both the Saginaw River and city-owned reservoirs. It also elevates the potential for the spread of disease in people and companion animals, and it creates unsanitary conditions from excessive dropping in public areas, walkways, and play areas. In addition, it is the intent of this subchapter to protect the welfare of the waterfowl and wild animals themselves. Wildlife studies have shown that feeding waterfowl and other wild animals can interrupt their normal migration patterns, can make them more aggressive in demanding food, cause nutritional problems, expose them to danger by eliminating their natural fear of predators, and promote the spread of diseases and disease-carrying parasites.
(Ord. O-235, passed 7-26-2021, effective 8-6-2021)