Resident urges ordinance to ban water-pellet guns and trespass to protect wildlife on city-owned land; council asks administration to investigate

A resident identifying himself as Reuben described repeated instances in which neighbors used a water-pellet gun to shoot at wild turkeys on city-owned woods near Soarin Avenue and urged Akron City Council to pass laws criminalizing use of water-pellet guns against animals and to address trespassing on public land.

Reuben told council the pellet gun was painted to look like a toy but can fire projectiles with enough force to cause bruising, eye injury or cuts. He said Akron Police Department responded to a recent call but that APD determined the resident’s use of the water-pellet gun was difficult to prosecute on public land and that the department did not fully investigate an instance in which a pistol was fired in the woods.

Councilman Kammer later noted the comment during committee reports and asked the administration to examine the situation and coordinate with council members, saying he had “never heard of” such a use of water-pellet guns on city property and asked the administration to “take a look at that and get with us as council.”

Why it matters: The complaint raises questions about enforcement on city-owned land, the adequacy of existing trespass and wildlife-protection ordinances, and public safety when a weapon-like device is used near residential areas and public facilities.

Next steps: Council requested that administration review legal and enforcement options and report back; no ordinance was introduced during the meeting.