Fall River, MA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned
- Feeding wild birds in open spaces
- Exception
- Private birdseed-dispensing devices only
- Applies to
- Public and private property citywide
- Citation
- Fall River Code § 34-289
Summary
Fall River bans feeding wild birds in any open space, public or private, citywide. The only exception is a device on private property built solely to dispense birdseed: hand-scattering food is not allowed.
No person shall feed wild birds in any open space in any private or public place. This section shall not prohibit the use on private property of any device made and used solely for the purpose of dispensing birdseed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4739915; v14 updated 2025-12-23; through 12-23-2025).
Full Breakdown
Fall River Code § 34-289, part of the city's rodent- and vermin-control article, bans feeding wild birds in any open space on private or public property in this Massachusetts city. The ordinance carves out one narrow exception: a device made and used solely to dispense birdseed on private property remains lawful. The provision sits beside § 34-290's ban on leaving open food out for domesticated fowl, birds or animals, reflecting the city's concern that unsecured feeding attracts rats as much as it draws wildlife.
Violations & Fines
Feeding wild birds in an open space violates § 34-289 and can draw the City's general penalty of up to $300 per day under Code § 1-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed pigeons or ducks in a Fall River park?
Can I use a birdfeeder in my Fall River yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
Compare Fall River to another location·View the Massachusetts animal ordinances overview
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