St. Louis prohibits feeding of feral cats, deer, raccoons, and other wildlife on public property and in ways that create nuisance or rodent attractants under SLRC 10.32. Songbird feeders are allowed if maintained to prevent rodent infestation.
Under SLRC 10.32.010 the intentional feeding of non-domesticated wildlife (deer, raccoons, opossums, feral cats, waterfowl, pigeons) is prohibited where such feeding creates a nuisance, attracts rodents, or damages neighboring property. The ordinance is complaint-driven and enforced by Animal Care and Control. Bird feeders for songbirds are specifically exempt provided they are maintained, seed spillage is cleaned up, and they do not attract rats, which are a significant concern in dense historic neighborhoods. Feral cat colonies may be managed through a registered Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program coordinated with the Animal Protective Association of Missouri; registered colony caretakers have a limited feeding exemption. Feeding Canada geese along the River des Peres or at Forest Park lagoons can trigger citations. Repeat violators face $100-$500 fines and property abatement orders.
$100 first, $500 repeat. Registered TNR caretakers receive warning before citation.
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