Arlington, TX Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

While Arlington does not have a blanket wildlife feeding ban, Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances and the nuisance provisions in Chapter 10 prohibit any activity that attracts vermin, creates unsanitary conditions, or endangers public safety. Leaving pet food outdoors overnight, placing open food piles for deer or raccoons, and feeding feral cat colonies without a managed TNR (trap-neuter-return) program can trigger violations. Texas Parks & Wildlife prohibits feeding deer in areas with Chronic Wasting Disease management zones, though Tarrant County is not currently in a zone. Feeding feral hogs is strongly discouraged as it encourages property damage; landowners have full authority under Texas law to trap or hunt feral hogs on their own property. Bird feeders must be cleaned regularly and mounted to prevent ground seed accumulation that attracts rodents. Hummingbird feeders require fresh nectar to prevent mold. During warmer months, feeders should be brought in at night to avoid attracting raccoons and opossums. Feeding wildlife in Arlington parks is prohibited by park rules, carrying fines up to $500. Coyotes are common in Arlington neighborhoods bordering the Trinity River; residents should never feed them and should haze them if approached. Report aggressive wildlife to Arlington Animal Services.