Committee asks staff to draft ordinance banning feeding of stray and wild animals

Community development director James Kanic told the Brainerd City Safety & Public Works Committee that staff had received complaints in northeast Brainerd about a neighbor feeding stray animals and that prior complaints had involved wild animals such as skunks and turkeys.

Kanic said Brainerd City code does not currently prohibit feeding stray animals and asked whether the council wanted staff to draft an ordinance that would ban feeding of stray and wild animals except for above‑ground bird feeders.

Council members raised enforcement questions, noting animal control had not requested the ordinance and that relying on photographic or video evidence can be difficult. Kanic said animal control can assist, that staff can issue warning letters and that citation would require staff involvement and sufficient evidence. He estimated the city receives about three related complaints per year.

Councilman Jezik and Councilman Jagger both questioned whether existing code enforcement (for garbage, debris or public‑health nuisances) might address many problems and whether a new ordinance would add complexity. John and others noted that without an ordinance residents who deliberately feed stray animals can frustrate trapping efforts. After discussion the committee voted to have staff draft ordinance language for future consideration.

The motion to move forward with drafting carried on a voice vote; the transcript did not record a roll‑call vote or identify the mover/second.