Cincinnati, OH Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Cincinnati does not have a standalone ordinance specifically banning all wildlife feeding, but the practice is regulated through nuisance and public health provisions. CMC Chapter 701 (Animals, Birds, Fowl) addresses animal-related nuisances, and attracting wildlife through deliberate feeding that creates unsanitary conditions or endangers neighbors can constitute a nuisance violation. The city partners with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) on wildlife management. Cincinnati's hilly terrain and park system (including Mount Airy Forest and Ault Park) bring deer, coyotes, raccoons, and wild turkeys into residential neighborhoods. Deliberate feeding of these animals habituates them to human presence, increasing the risk of property damage, disease transmission, and aggressive encounters. Ohio Administrative Code Rule 1501:31-15-03 governs nuisance wild animal control at the state level. Residents experiencing wildlife issues can contact Cincinnati Animal CARE or ODNR Division of Wildlife for guidance on humane deterrent strategies.