Audubon speaker asks council to clarify feral-cat ordinance wording so backyard bird feeding isn’t banned

During public comment, Lynn Teal, who identified herself as living on Turner Drive and speaking for the local Audubon Society, asked the council to clarify whether language in a proposed animal-control ordinance (referred to in the meeting as ordinance 25-514) could be interpreted to ban backyard bird feeding. Teal pointed to Section 10.9 language that lists feeding of geese, ducks, seagulls, deer and "wild animals" as prohibited and said bird species could be categorized as "wild animals," which might unintentionally outlaw backyard bird feeders.

Mayor Johnson responded that he did not disagree with the concern and said staff would review the ordinance to ensure backyard bird feeders are explicitly allowed. Teal asked for a change of wording to avoid ambiguity and thanked the council for considering the clarification. No formal vote or ordinance amendment was taken during public comment; staff indicated they would examine the ordinance language before a future action.