Stamford, CT Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Code of Ordinances Ch. 181
- Prohibited act
- Feeding feral/street pigeons causing nuisance
- Fine
- $100 per day until abated
- Wild bird feeding
- Allowed if pigeons not attracted
- Adopted
- 1979, amended 1985
Summary
Stamford bans feeding feral or street pigeons in public where it causes or risks a public-health nuisance, though feeding other wild birds is allowed if it does not attract pigeons.
It shall be unlawful to feed feral or street pigeons (Columba livia species) in public or such other places in such a manner or to such an extent that may cause or tend to cause a nuisance and/or a threat and/or a potential threat to the public health. Such prohibition shall not preclude the feeding of wild birds in a manner adequately protected against attracting feral or street pigeons and/or other related species that may cause or tend to cause a nuisance and/or condition prejudicial to the public health.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Under City of Stamford Code of Ordinances Ch. 181, § 181-1, it is unlawful to feed feral or street pigeons (Columba livia) in public or other places in a manner or to an extent that causes or tends to cause a nuisance or a threat to public health. The ban targets pigeon feeding specifically; feeding wild birds generally is still permitted if done in a way that does not attract feral pigeons or similar nuisance species. Violations are fined $100 per day until the condition is abated, per § 181-2. The chapter was adopted by the Board of Representatives in 1979 and amended in its entirety in 1985.
Violations & Fines
Violators are fined $100 per day until the nuisance feeding is abated, under § 181-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed pigeons in a Stamford park?
Is feeding songbirds in my yard illegal in Stamford?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stamford
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