South Bend, IN Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Free-roaming cats
- No feeding past 3 days
- Exception
- Community-cat (TNR) program
- Leg-hold traps
- Prohibited (Sec. 5-106)
- Poisoned bait
- Prohibited (Sec. 5-96)
Summary
South Bend prohibits feeding a free-roaming cat for more than 3 days unless enrolled in the managed community-cat program (Sec. 5-107), and bars leg-hold traps and poisoned bait. No ordinance specifically bans feeding deer.
It shall be unlawful for a person to provide food, water or shelter to a free-roaming cat for a period of more than three (3) days unless in compliance with Secs. 5-27, 5-28 and 5-29 of this Chapter.
Full Breakdown
South Bend's main animal-feeding rule targets free-roaming cats. Under Sec. 5-107 it is unlawful to provide food, water, or shelter to a free-roaming cat for more than three days unless you comply with the city's community-cat (TNR) provisions in Secs. 5-27 to 5-29, and the Division of Animal Welfare may impound non-compliant community cats. Sec. 5-96 bans placing poisoned bait likely to be eaten by animals, and Sec. 5-106 prohibits leg-hold traps and snares used to capture wildlife. The city has no ordinance specifically banning the feeding of deer or waterfowl, but keeping wild or exotic animals remains prohibited under Sec. 5-105.
Violations & Fines
Feeding a free-roaming cat beyond three days outside the community-cat program can lead to impoundment of the cat under Sec. 5-107. Setting leg-hold traps or poisoned bait is unlawful and citable through the Ordinance Violations Bureau.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed stray cats in South Bend?
Is it legal to feed wildlife?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in South Bend
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