NYC Health Code §161.09(d) prohibits feeding pigeons, and NYC Parks Rules §1-04(q) prohibit feeding wildlife in parks (except squirrels and birds at designated areas). Admin Code §17-195 specifically bans pigeon feeding citywide with fines up to $1,000.
NYC has multiple overlapping rules on wildlife feeding. Admin Code §17-195, enacted as Local Law 46 of 2007, specifically prohibits feeding pigeons on any public or private property, carrying fines of up to $1,000. NYC Parks Rules §1-04(q) prohibit feeding any wildlife in parks except at designated bird feeding areas. Feeding rats — even inadvertently through improper garbage storage — can result in Health Code violations. The citywide rat mitigation program has intensified enforcement in recent years, with the Mayor's Rat Czar coordinating efforts. DOHMH and Parks Enforcement Patrol both enforce feeding bans. The city has conducted major public awareness campaigns about the connection between wildlife feeding and the rat population. Feeding feral cats in managed colonies is permitted under certain conditions with guidance from the Feral Cat Initiative.
Pigeon feeding: up to $1,000 fine under Admin Code §17-195. Feeding wildlife in parks: $50 fine under Parks Rules. Creating conditions attracting rats: Health Code violations of $200–$2,000. Repeat offenders face escalating penalties.
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