Pawtucket, RI Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Pawtucket City Code § 116-44, adopted October 20, 2005 by Ch. No. 2786 as Article VII of Chapter 116, Animal Control, makes it unlawful to feed or place food or refuse anywhere in the city in a manner that creates a food source for stray animals, including cats, or for any wildlife. The rule reaches backyard feeding stations, spilled birdseed piled up for deer or geese, and food left out for stray cat colonies alike; the statute carves out no exception for a resident who considers a colony their own responsibility.

Beyond the blanket prohibition, § 116-45 lets the Animal Control Officer designate specific areas of the city where feeding is prohibited, but only after nuisance complaints trigger a documented investigation; the designation must be made in writing and filed with both the Animal Control Officer and the City Clerk so residents can confirm whether their block is covered. Enforcement runs through the Animal Control Officer's office rather than the police, and a violation is treated as a civil matter: § 116-46 sets a three-tier fine schedule that starts lighter than most Chapter 116 offenses because the first violation draws only a written warning.

A resident who continues feeding after being warned faces escalating fines. Chapter 116's general penalty provision in § 116-54 sets a default $25/$50/$100 fine schedule for the rest of the chapter, but Article VII's own § 116-46 schedule controls this specific offense instead.