Oakland, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- OMC § 6.04.355(B)
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 13858, Sept. 15, 2025
- Where banned
- Public parks, sidewalks, streets, City property
- "Wild" includes
- Pigeons, geese, any non-dog/cat animal
- Private property
- Not covered by this subsection
- Penalty class
- Infraction or misdemeanor
Summary
Oakland Municipal Code § 6.04.355(B) makes it unlawful to intentionally feed wild animals in any public park, sidewalk, street, or other City-owned property. "Wild" is defined broadly to cover pigeons, geese, and any animal that isn't a dog or cat, so the ban reaches routine park-bench bread-tossing as much as deliberate deer or coyote baiting.
No person shall intentionally feed wild animals in any public park, sidewalk, street, or on any other property owned the by City of Oakland or other public agency, so as to protect public health, safety and welfare. For purposes of this Section, "wild" means any animal that is not a dog or cat and includes pigeons, geese, and other birds.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Planning Code: Supplement 59).
Full Breakdown
355(B), adopted by Ordinance No. 345) as part of the same 2025 rewrite. 355(A), which separately bars harassing non-captive wild animals, so feeding on public land can be charged under either subsection depending on the facts. The rule applies only to City-owned and public property; it does not touch feeding on private property. 5. 04 to be charged as either an infraction or a misdemeanor, in addition to any other penalty authorized by law.
Violations & Fines
Feeding wild animals, including pigeons and geese, in a City park, on a sidewalk, street, or other public property violates § 6.04.355(B). Oakland Police and Animal Control Officers may cite under § 6.04.420, which allows the offense to be charged as an infraction or a misdemeanor; officers act under Penal Code § 836.5 authority per § 6.04.370.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed pigeons at Lake Merritt or in a City park?
Is feeding birds at my own backyard feeder illegal in Oakland?
What happens if I'm cited for feeding wildlife in an Oakland park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oakland
California rules heatmap·Compare Oakland to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle wildlife feeding.