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Clarksville, TN Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

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

Key Facts

Wildlife feeding ban
None in city code
Operative rule
Section 8-109 sanitation nuisance
Class I wildlife
Police certificate required
Certificate fee
$50, then $25 annually
Feed storage
Airtight, predator proof containers

Summary

Clarksville has no ordinance against feeding deer, birds, or other wildlife. Feeding that breeds vermin or creates offensive odors is reachable as a health and sanitation nuisance, and harboring Class I or IV wildlife needs a police certificate.

It is declared unlawful for any person to possess wildlife on or about their premises within the city limits of the City of Clarksville, except as hereinafter provided.

Source: City of Clarksville Code of OrdinancesView 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 110 Update 2 | Zoning Ordinance: Supplement 6).

Full Breakdown

No chapter of the Clarksville code prohibits wildlife feeding. Two provisions still apply. Section 10-243 makes it unlawful to possess wildlife within the city limits without a certificate from the chief of police, and defines possessing to include harboring or permitting to remain; wildlife there means Class I or Class IV species under T.C.A. 70-4-402(a)(1). The certificate costs $50, requires approval by city council resolution, and renews annually for $25. Section 8-109 reaches premises kept so as to create noxious odors or breed flies, rodents, or other vermin. Chicken keepers must store feed in airtight, predator proof containers under 3-109(b)(5).

Violations & Fines

Health and sanitation nuisances are abated under section 8-110 after written notice: by warrant from the city judge, by summary abatement at the owner's expense, or by court proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is feeding deer in my Clarksville yard illegal?
No city ordinance prohibits it. Feeding that draws rodents or creates offensive odors can be cited as a health and sanitation nuisance under section 8-109.
Can I keep a wild animal I found?
Not without a certificate. Section 10-243 makes possessing Class I or Class IV wildlife unlawful unless the chief of police issues a certificate and city council approves it by resolution.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clarksville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsExotic PetsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions

All Clarksville rules

Compare Clarksville to another location·View the Tennessee animal ordinances overview

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