Paterson, NJ Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Where it applies
- city-owned/operated property only
- Max fine
- $1,250
- Enforced by
- Police Dept. and city officials
- Exempt
- confined wildlife (zoos, rehab)
- Adopted
- Nov. 9, 2005
Summary
Paterson bars feeding any unconfined wildlife on property the city owns or operates, including parks, with fines up to $1,250 per violation.
No person shall feed, in any public park or on any other property owned or operated by the City of Paterson, any wildlife, excluding confined wildlife (for example, wildlife confined in zoos, parks or rehabilitation centers, or unconfined wildlife at environmental education centers.)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 121, Article VIII, adopted in 2005, prohibits feeding wildlife, any animal that is neither human nor domesticated, on property the City of Paterson owns or operates, its parks included. Confined wildlife, such as animals at a zoo or rehabilitation center, is excluded from the ban. The Police Department and other municipal officials enforce it under § 121-54 and can order feeding stopped immediately; continuing after that order is the enforceable offense under § 121-55. The article does not reach feeding on private property, which a separate nuisance provision in the same chapter addresses.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $1,250 per violation; officers first order the feeding to cease immediately, and continued feeding after that order is the enforceable offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed birds or squirrels in a Paterson park?
Does the ban cover feeding wildlife in my own yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
Compare Paterson to another location·View the New Jersey animal ordinances overview
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