Hanford, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Kings County's Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl) focuses on domestic animals, fowl and livestock, and does not appear to set out a dedicated ordinance banning the feeding of wild animals such as coyotes or other wildlife in the unincorporated area. However, several rules are relevant. First, the County Code provides that a person 'harbors' a dog or cat when they feed or shelter the animal for a period of 30 days or more — so anyone who regularly feeds a stray dog or community cat can become legally responsible for that animal's licensing, vaccination and spay/neuter obligations. Second, feeding wildlife can attract animals that create a nuisance, and the County's general nuisance and noisy-animal provisions (Sec. 4-79) may be applied where an animal disturbs the neighborhood. Third, California state law governs wildlife: it is generally illegal to keep, harass or feed certain wild animals in ways that habituate them, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife discourages and may penalize intentional feeding of predators like coyotes and bears that creates a public-safety hazard. In a rural, agricultural county, attracting wildlife can also threaten livestock. Residents who encounter sick, injured or nuisance wildlife should contact Kings County Animal Services or CDFW rather than feeding or attempting to capture the animal.