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Cedar Rapids, IA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Where it applies
City-owned public property only
Covers
Wild animals and waterfowl
Zoo exempt
Bever Zoo, Old MacDonald's Farm
Penalty
$75 first, $150 second, $300 third

Summary

Cedar Rapids bars feeding or baiting any wild animal or waterfowl on city-owned public property, from deer and geese to feral cats, with graduated fines for repeat violations and a carve-out only for the Parks Bever Zoo and Old MacDonald's Farm.

No person shall purposely or knowingly feed, bait, or in any manner provide access to food to any wild animal or waterfowl within the corporate limits of the City of Cedar Rapids, on City owned public property. This Section shall not apply to the feeding of animals kept and managed at the Parks and Recreation Bever Zoo and Old McDonald's Farm.

Source: Cedar Rapids Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 24).

Full Breakdown

Section 63.21 makes it unlawful to purposely feed, bait, or otherwise provide food access to any wild animal or waterfowl on city-owned public property within Cedar Rapids, and separately bars leaving garbage, pet food, seed, or grain out in a way that attracts them. The ban covers deer, geese, raccoons, squirrels, feral cats, and other wildlife, but exempts animals kept at the Parks and Recreation Bever Zoo and Old MacDonald's Farm. Failing to fix a violation within 24 hours of city notice counts as a new, separate violation.

Violations & Fines

Graduated fines: $75 for a first violation, $150 for a second within one calendar year, and $300 for a third within one calendar year of any other violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed deer or geese in a Cedar Rapids park?
No. City ordinance § 63.21 bans feeding or baiting any wild animal or waterfowl on city-owned public property, including parks, with fines starting at $75.
Is it illegal to leave food out for stray cats in Cedar Rapids?
On city property, yes. Section 63.21 also bars leaving food, garbage, or feed in a way that attracts wild animals or waterfowl, feral cats included, on city-owned land.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cedar Rapids

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsWildlife Rescue PermitsSome RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterHeavy RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingSignificant RestrictionsSign Regulations: Garage Sale SignsLight Restrictions

All Cedar Rapids rules

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