VILLAS – At its April 20 meeting, Lower Township Council introduced an amendment to an ordinance that prohibits people from feeding wild animals on public property.
The addition would extend to feeding creatures, such as coyotes, skunks, raccoons, black buzzards, and turkey vultures, on private property.
Mayor Frank Sippel said the ordinance attempts to include private property after an incident where a homeowner attracted many buzzards and vultures to their property by feeding them dog food. Sippel said after eating, the birds stay on neighboring roofs, where they defecate, leaving an unsightly, damaging mess.
“It is a public health issue, as the birds carry an assortment of diseases,” Sippel said. “Also, turkey vultures are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which prohibits interaction with the birds.”
Penalties for violating the ordinance include a $1,000 fine and/or 90 days in jail. Sippel said the amendment would not affect feeding other wild birds from birdfeeders.
A public hearing on the amended ordinance is scheduled for the May 18 council meeting.
