Kennewick, WA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

WDFW adopted statewide rules effective May 17, 2025 making it illegal to feed deer, elk, and moose anywhere in Washington. The rationale is the prevention of chronic wasting disease (CWD) spread, which has been detected in eastern Washington and is fatal to cervids. RCW 77.15.160(11)(b) makes it an infraction to place, deposit, distribute, or scatter feed including grain, hay, minerals, salt, fruit, or other substances to feed, lure, or attract deer, elk, or moose not lawfully held in captivity. RCW 77.15.790 separately covers negligent feeding of large carnivores (bears, cougars) and prohibits feeding that leads to dangerous wildlife conflicts. The Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick along the Columbia River and the surrounding shrub-steppe, has elevated mule deer activity, making the new rule locally relevant. Bird feeders remain generally lawful, but WDFW guidance instructs residents to remove feeders that incidentally attract deer or bears, particularly during spring and summer. The City of Kennewick has not adopted its own wildlife-feeding ordinance; complaints route to WDFW Region 3 enforcement officers and Kennewick Police for nuisance issues in city parks.