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Fort Smith, AR Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Covers
Deer, geese, ducks, raccoons, strays
Exempt
Owned pets, stationary bird feeders
Feeder height
4+ feet above ground
TNR feeding
Allowed for feral cat colonies

Summary

Fort Smith prohibits leaving unattended food out for stray dogs and cats, deer, geese, ducks, raccoons, or other wildlife, with narrow exceptions for owned pets and elevated bird feeders.

(b)No person shall provide and leave unattended food for stray dogs, stray cats, feral cats, deer, geese, ducks, raccoons, fowl or other wild animals or wildlife. Feeding does not include baiting in the legal taking of fish and/or game or baiting for purposes of the trap, neuter, and release of feral cats.

View official code

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

City code makes it unlawful to provide and leave unattended food for stray dogs, stray cats, feral cats, deer, geese, ducks, raccoons, fowl, or other wild animals. The ban doesn't reach animals a person owns, or songbirds fed from a stationary feeder placed at least four feet above ground and positioned so other wildlife can't reach it. Feral cat colonies remain protected: feeding tied to a trap-neuter-release program is exempt, and any wild animal or feral cat that becomes a nuisance may be trapped and turned over to the proper agency rather than fed in place.

Violations & Fines

Leaving food out for deer, geese, raccoons, or strays is a citable misdemeanor from animal control; bird feeders under four feet or that attract wildlife other than songbirds fall outside the exemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed deer or geese in my Fort Smith yard?
No: leaving unattended food for deer, geese, ducks, raccoons, or other wildlife is prohibited citywide under the animal code.
Can I feed feral cats I'm trying to trap and fix?
Yes: feeding tied to a trap, neuter, and release program is specifically exempted from the ban.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Smith

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterHeavy RestrictionsPet LimitsSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Fort Smith rules

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