Peachtree City puts draft feeding-wildlife ordinance on hold after enforcement concerns

City staff presented a drafted "feeding wildlife" ordinance intended to curb intentional or negligent feeding of wildlife and feral animals on public and private property. The draft would prohibit actions such as distributing food attractants accessible to wildlife, failing to secure trash, and baiting deer; it included several exceptions for songbird feeders, licensed rehabilitators, properly zoned agricultural operations, fish feeding, trap-neuter-release for feral cats and naturally fallen fruit.

Chris Hobby said fines would be set by the municipal court judge and enforcement could include warnings or abatement orders; the ordinance in the packet would take effect upon adoption. Council discussion focused on enforceability, the breadth of the draft, and possible conflicts with state law. One councilmember noted state law allows certain private-property baiting in specific circumstances, and councilmembers cautioned that a locally drafted prohibition could run into preemption or enforcement challenges.

Councilmembers also raised practical concerns about policing backyard feeders, resource limits for code enforcement, and unintended consequences for migratory or other protected species. Multiple members recommended prioritizing targeted public education and communications to discourage harmful feeding practices rather than rushing into an ordinance the city could not reliably enforce.

After discussion, the council agreed to place the ordinance in suspense (on hold) and assigned staff to pursue communications and guidance as a first step; the draft will remain available if the council later chooses to revisit a codified approach.