Dearborn, MI Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Ground-feeding any bird banned
- Standard
- Nuisance per se, no proof needed
- Governing section
- § 13-2(19)
- First-offense fine
- $250 civil infraction
Summary
Dearborn declares feeding pigeons or ground-feeding any bird a nuisance per se, no case-by-case finding required: a stricter standard than the excessive-animals rule that applies to household pets.
The encouragement of lingering, roosting, and/or congregating of pigeons by offering or providing food; the ground-feeding of any bird shall be considered a nuisance per se.
(20) The possession, harboring, or providing shelter for an excessive number of animals. The term "excessive number" shall be determined on a case- by-case basis; the criteria to be applied in making such determination shall include, but is not limited to, violations of subsections 21-28.
(21) Failure to remove and/or properly dispose of animal waste.
(22) Foul odors emitted from the dwelling and/or surrounding property due to improper care of animals.
(23) Structural damage caused by repeated animal defecation and/or urination.
(24) Presence of fleas, ticks, and/or other insects due to improper care of animals.
(25) Poor health of animals due to improper care and and/or feeding.
(26) Poor health of humans due to unsanitary conditions caused by improper care of animals.
(27) Failure to prevent and/or clean up of defecation and/or urination on any property, public or private.
(28) Damage to the property of others by animal(s) running at large.
(29) Failure to correct and/or eliminate cross connections that have been identified pursuant to
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-07: Code: Updated through: July 22, 2026 | Zoning: Updated through: July 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 13-2(19) of the Dearborn Code of Ordinances singles out bird feeding for stricter treatment than the general nuisance standard: encouraging pigeons to linger, roost, or congregate by offering food, and ground-feeding any bird at all, is declared a nuisance per se, meaning the city doesn't have to show harm case by case the way it does for other nuisances. The rule sits inside Chapter 13's broader illustrative enumeration of nuisances (§ 13-2), enforced by the police department, building and safety, and public works under § 13-4. A first violation of the nuisance-prohibition section, § 13-3, is a $250 civil infraction, rising to $500 for a repeat offense within six months on the same property.
Violations & Fines
Ground-feeding any bird or feeding pigeons to encourage roosting violates § 13-2(19) as a nuisance per se; enforcement follows § 13-3's civil fines, $250 first offense, $500 for a repeat within six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed pigeons in Dearborn?
Do I need to prove harm to be cited for feeding birds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dearborn
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle wildlife feeding.