Indianapolis, IN Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered locations
- Parks, playgrounds, parkways, streets
- Who's exempt
- Parks dept. staff on duty
- Covered species
- Any birds or fowl
- Scope
- Public property only
Summary
Feeding, scattering or leaving food for birds or fowl in Indianapolis parks, playgrounds, parkways and streets is unlawful without city permission.
It shall be unlawful for a person, except an employee of the city department of parks and recreation in the course of his or her employment, or with his or her express permission, to feed, scatter food or leave food of any type or kind in the parks, playgrounds, play fields, parkways, boulevards and streets of the city for any birds or fowl.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Indianapolis Code Sec. 531-411 bars anyone other than a parks department employee acting in the course of duty, or someone with that employee's express permission, from feeding, scattering or leaving food of any kind for birds or fowl in the city's parks, playgrounds, play fields, parkways, boulevards and streets. The rule targets nuisance bird populations like pigeons in public spaces rather than private-yard feeders.
Violations & Fines
Unlawful act under Sec. 531-411; enforceable as a general Code violation through the animal care services agency and city courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed pigeons in an Indianapolis park?
Does this law cover feeding birds in my own backyard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indianapolis
Compare Indianapolis to another location·View the Indiana animal ordinances overview
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