Des Moines prohibits feeding deer and waterfowl (including Canada geese) on public property under Chapter 18, Article VII. The ban was adopted in 2021 to reduce disease risk, property damage, and nuisance wildlife concentration.
Chapter 18, Article VII (Sec. 18-215 et seq.) of the Des Moines Municipal Code prohibits feeding deer and waterfowl on public property within city limits. The ordinance was enacted in late 2021 following unanimous City Council approval; the initial broader proposal covering squirrels, raccoons, coyotes, and feral cats was narrowed to deer and waterfowl. Enforcement is handled by Animal Control. Violations are classified as a simple misdemeanor carrying fines up to $850 per incident. The rule applies to parks, rights-of-way, and other public spaces.
Simple misdemeanor; fines up to $850 per violation. Animal Control or police may issue citations.
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