Jersey City prohibits feeding wildlife, stray animals, and feral cats on public property and in ways that create a nuisance under Chapter 90 and general property maintenance code.
Jersey City regulates the feeding of wildlife and feral animals under Chapter 90 (Animals) and its property maintenance provisions. Intentional feeding of pigeons, gulls, squirrels, rats, raccoons, opossums, and other wildlife on public sidewalks, parks, and plazas is prohibited when it creates accumulations of food waste, droppings, or rodent-attracting conditions. Feeding feral cat colonies is generally discouraged but may be allowed under managed TNR (trap-neuter-return) programs coordinated with the contracted animal shelter. White-tail deer feeding is separately restricted under New Jersey Fish and Wildlife rules. Waterfowl feeding at Liberty State Park and along the Hudson River waterfront can violate both city code and state park rules. Under Chapter 90, placing food outdoors in containers that attract rats or raccoons is a violation of the property maintenance code. Complaints are investigated by JCPD Quality of Life or the health officer.
Fines for wildlife feeding violations and rodent-attracting conditions typically start at $100 per offense under Chapter 90 and can escalate with repeat incidents.
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