Galt, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Under Galt's public nuisance and animal control provisions, intentionally feeding wild or feral animals in a manner that attracts nuisance wildlife to residential areas is prohibited. This includes leaving food out for feral cats, raccoons, opossums, skunks, coyotes, or wild turkeys. Bird feeders are generally allowed but must be maintained to avoid attracting rodents and larger wildlife; unsecured pet food left outdoors, uncovered trash, and fallen fruit that is not cleaned up can also trigger nuisance action. Galt sits along the Cosumnes River, one of the last free-flowing rivers on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada, and the nearby Cosumnes River Preserve draws coyotes, deer, and abundant bird life that sometimes move into city neighborhoods. California Department of Fish and Wildlife rules additionally prohibit feeding big game mammals, including deer and coyotes, under California Fish and Game Code 251.1. Feral cat colonies often involve formal trap-neuter-return programs coordinated with local rescues; organized TNR is distinct from unregulated feeding.