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Georgetown, TX Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code § 8.05.030
Penalty
$75.00 to $125.00, Class C misdemeanor
Enforcing agency
Animal Services Department
Presumption trigger
Food on ground or platform under 5 feet high
Adopting ordinance
Ord. No. 2015-25, § 2 (2015)

Summary

Georgetown makes it a Class C misdemeanor to intentionally feed deer or leave food where deer can eat it, anywhere in the city. Placing food outdoors, or on a platform under five feet high, creates a legal presumption of intentional feeding.

A. Except as provided in Subsection C., a person commits an offense if the person intentionally feeds deer or makes food available for consumption by deer on private or public property within the territorial limits of the City. B. A person shall be presumed to have intentionally fed deer, or made food available for consumption by deer, if the person places food, or causes food to be placed, on the ground outdoors or on any outdoor platform that stands fewer than five feet above the ground.

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 32 | Unified Development Code: Supplement 15).

Full Breakdown

05 (Ord. No. 2015-25) prohibits feeding deer citywide. 030 makes it an offense to intentionally feed deer or make food available to them on private or public property within city limits. A rebuttable presumption of intentional feeding arises from placing food, or causing food to be placed, on the ground outdoors or on any outdoor platform standing fewer than five feet above ground. 010 to include corn, fruit, oats, hay, nuts, wheat, alfalfa, salt blocks, grain, vegetables, and commercial wildlife feed, birdseed, or livestock feed, but excludes shrubs, live plants, gardens, and fruit or nuts that fall naturally from trees.

030(C) exempts animal control officers, veterinarians, peace officers, City employees, and authorized wildlife officials acting within their duties. 020 to run a public education program on the dangers of urban deer overpopulation. 050.

Violations & Fines

Section 8.05.060 makes a violation a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $75.00 nor more than $125.00. The Animal Services Department enforces the chapter and takes violation reports from the public under Section 8.05.050.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to leave corn out for deer in Georgetown?
Yes. Section 8.05.030 bans intentionally feeding deer or making food available to them anywhere in the city, and placing corn or similar feed on the ground or on a low platform creates a legal presumption that you intended to feed deer.
What is the fine for feeding deer in Georgetown?
Section 8.05.060 sets the penalty at a Class C misdemeanor fine of not less than $75.00 nor more than $125.00 per violation.
Can I feed my own livestock or pets outdoors?
Yes. Section 8.05.040 provides an affirmative defense when food is placed in good faith for domestic livestock or pets located on the property, distinguishing that from deliberately feeding wild deer.

Sources & Official References

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