Clay County, MO Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Section 90.23, the wildlife article of the parks and recreation chapter, folds the feeding ban into a broader list of prohibited wildlife interactions. Subsection (I) makes it unlawful to pursue, catch, kill, molest, possess, illuminate, spotlight, feed, or take wildlife in any manner or any quantity on park land, and separately bans destroying a den or nest, unless the activity is otherwise permitted elsewhere in the chapter or the parks director gives express permission to control animal damage. The same section layers in additional restrictions that touch feeding indirectly: subsection (A) bars hunting, harming, or possessing young wildlife except for organized groups holding a special event permit from the director, and subsection (G) prohibits bringing in an animal, including by an animal control officer, for release without the director's written permission.

Fishing and hunting inside the park system still must follow the Missouri Department of Conservation's seasons and limits under subsections (B) and (C), referencing Rules 3CSR10-6.310 and 3CSR10-7.415 through .455. The chapter also folds in state Wildlife Code provisions directly: Rule 3CSR10-7.405 bars taking wildlife from a public roadway and spotlighting wildlife from a road, field, or forest, and Rule 3CSR10-4.105 establishes the Wildlife Code as enforceable by county park rangers and any duly constituted peace officer. Section 90.23 was last amended by Ord. No. 2024-ORD-21 on August 15, 2024.