Detroit, MI Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Bird feeder height
- 48+ inches above ground
- Non-owner feeding
- barred outdoors for cats/dogs
- Owner exception
- 7 days per 30-day period
- Capture-assist exception
- must notify Animal Control first
- Max penalty
- $500 fine, 90 days jail
Summary
Detroit bans feeding wild birds except from feeders elevated at least 48 inches, and bars non-owners from feeding stray cats or dogs outdoors except brief owner-permitted or capture-assist exceptions.
(g)A person shall not feed wild birds other than from bird feeders that can only be accessed by birds and that are elevated at least 48 inches above ground level. (h)A person who is not the owner of any cat or dog shall not intentionally feed, make food available, or assist another person to make food available, outdoors on public or private property for the animal except...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Detroit's property-maintenance code bars feeding wild birds anywhere except from a bird feeder that only birds can reach and that sits at least 48 inches above ground level (Sec. 8-15-105(g)). Separately, anyone who isn't a cat or dog's owner is barred from feeding that animal, or helping feed it, outdoors on public or private property (Sec. 8-15-105(h)). Two narrow exceptions apply: the owner allows short-term feeding on the owner's property up to seven days in a 30-day span, or the person is feeding a stray for under seven days after notifying Animal Control to help capture and remove it.
Violations & Fines
Violating Sec. 8-15-105 is enforced by the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department under Detroit's general penalty, Sec. 1-1-9: a fine up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both, per offense, with each day a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed pigeons or other wild birds in my Detroit yard?
Can I feed a stray cat that isn't mine in Detroit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Detroit
Compare Detroit to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle wildlife feeding.