Committee backs citywide ban on feeding seagulls, extends enforcement authority to animal control

The Cheyenne Public Services Committee on June 16 recommended that the City Council approve an amendment to the municipal code that adds seagulls to a feeding prohibition and extends the ban to all property within city limits.

City Attorney’s Office staff introduced the ordinance amendment to change section 6.08.018 of the municipal code, which covers feeding geese and ducks, to include seagulls and to remove prior limits so the prohibition applies citywide. David Hopkinson of the city attorney’s office explained the text change to the committee.

Committee members asked about enforcement. Director Fountain said the ordinance would give Animal Control the authority to issue citations: "This will give the animal control the authority to issue a citation. Outside of the animal control, nobody in my department really has authority at this point in time to issue a citation." He added staff were working on additional steps for other situations.

Several residents spoke in support. Resident Zachary Manjin, who said he lives on Henderson Drive, said he started a petition and asked that the city “get some teeth to this so that enforcement can go out and, find the offender,” adding, “we want some teeth to this, and we want citations to be issued.” Councilman Moody said he and others would provide photographic evidence to staff.

Committee members said the city had tried nonregulatory tactics for two years to address the problem and noted seagulls are protected from lethal control; Dr. Aldridge said the ordinance is a last resort and that feeding geese and ducks will also be prohibited citywide. The committee voted by voice to recommend approval of the ordinance as a second-reading item; it will go to the City Council for final action on Monday night.