Fishers, IN Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Chapter 91 of the City of Fishers Code focuses on domestic animals and does not set out a broad prohibition on feeding wildlife. Section 91.02 states that the chapter 'is not intended to regulate wild and or exotic animal[s]' and that their regulation 'is governed through the State of Indiana, 312 IAC, Article 9, Fish and Wildlife,' administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. So feeding of true wildlife (deer, geese, waterfowl, raccoons, etc.) is generally a matter of state DNR rules rather than the Fishers animal code, and residents concerned about deer or goose feeding should consult Indiana DNR guidance. The notable feeding restriction the city code does impose is in § 91.06(C): it is unlawful to provide food, water, or shelter to a colony of feral cats unless the colony is an approved managed colony registered with Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic, Inc., the feeding accompanies trap-neuter-return, and the caretaker ear-tips sterilized cats. A first-time violator of the feral-cat feeding rules is issued a written warning and given time to comply before further enforcement. Because feeding wild animals can also create odor, sanitation, or attractant problems, conduct that rises to a nuisance could be addressed under the city's general nuisance authority even where Chapter 91 is silent.