Title
Amend Animal Ordinance and City Code for the Feeding of Pigeons (Ordinance G-6598)
Description
Request City Council authorization to amend Chapter 8, Article II of the Phoenix City Code to add a policy to prohibit the feeding of pigeons.
Report
Summary
In response to community concerns regarding the issue of pigeon feeding, the proposed amendment to the animal ordinance identifies permissible and prohibited actions in the feeding of pigeons (Attachment A).
Under the proposed ordinance amendment, it is unlawful for any person to feed pigeons within the City. The proposed ordinance amendment does not apply to pigeons kept in accordance with Chapter 8, Article II, Section 8-7.01(B), nor does it prohibit the feeding of other birds using practices or devices designed to prevent pigeons from obtaining food. Further, this ordinance does not prohibit the feeding of pigeons in accordance with a government-approved plan for wildlife management.
When left unaddressed, the practice of regularly feeding pigeons can lead to unhealthy accumulations of feces, damage to vehicles and property, and significant increases in local pigeon populations roosting on neighboring houses and structures. While the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department provides information to the public regarding nuisances related to feeding pigeons, they do not have a code provision that makes the feeding of pigeons illegal. Resident complaints have increasingly urged the City to enact a code provision as a resource for neighborhoods to turn to when voluntary efforts to resolve the negative effects of pigeon feeding have been unsuccessful.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was discussed at the Public Safety and Veterans Subcommittee meeting on Feb. 13, 2019, in which it was recommended staff draft an amended ordinance for City Council approval.
Public Outreach
The Neighborhood Services Department hosted a public input session on May 2, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at Phoenix City Hall. Additionally, the draft ordinance was posted on City of Phoenix social media platforms on May 9, 2019. The input session public notice and all social media posts regarding the amended ordinance provided residents with contact information to call or email the Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) with their input. NSD staff has continued to receive and index this input.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Neighborhood Services Department.