Title
Incorporated County of Los Alamos Ordinance No.02-373; Public Hearing and Consideration of Ordinance No. 02-373 - Amending Chapter 6, Article I of the County Code to add Section 6-21 Prohibiting the Feeding of Wild Animals.
Recommended Action
I move that Council adopt Incorporated County of Los Alamos Ordinance No. 02-373 to prohibit the feeding of wild animals within the Los Alamos County.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council adopt Incorporated County of Los Alamos Ordinance No. 02-373.
Body
The proposed ordinance aims to add a new section, Section 6-21, to Chapter 6 Article I of the Los Alamos County Code. This section would specifically ban feeding wild animals on both public and private land within the county. Feeding wild animals raises various public health and safety issues, such as increased property damage, the spread of diseases among wildlife, pets, and people, and more vehicle-animal collisions. Research also indicates that feeding can change animal behavior, disrupt natural migration, and reduce their natural fear of humans and predators.
The ordinance would make it illegal to intentionally feed wild animals or make food accessible to them. However, there's an exception for feeding songbirds and pollinators, including through bird feeders.
Violations would result in fines, starting at a minimum of $25 for the first offense and ranging from $100 to $750 for repeat offenses.
By prohibiting the intentional feeding of wild animals, while still allowing bird feeders, the ordinance intends to protect both the community and local wildlife. It addresses ongoing concerns about public safety, wildlife management, and environmental health.
Staff recommends adopting the ordinance for the purpose of proactively reducing human-wildlife conflicts and promoting a healthy local ecosystem.
The county properly published public notice of the ordinance and a public hearing according to county procedures.
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