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Lane County, OR Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Blanket wildlife ban
Not in county animal code
Big-game feeding
Oregon Fish and Wildlife
Harboring 6 weeks
Makes you the owner
Abandonment
Class A violation (7.005.105)
City rules
May add feeding limits

Summary

Lane County's Animal Services Code has no blanket wildlife-feeding ban, but harboring an animal makes you its "owner" and responsible for it, and abandoning a domesticated animal is a Class A violation. Feeding big-game wildlife is regulated by Oregon Fish and Wildlife.

City-specific rules exist: Eugene has its own wildlife feeding rules that differ from Lane County's county-level regulations. If you live in Eugene, check the city-specific page instead.

A. A person commits the offense of animal abandonment if the person leaves a domesticated animal at a location without providing for the animal's continued care. It is no defense to the offense in LC 7.005.105A that the defendant abandoned the animal at or near an animal shelter, veterinary clinic or other place of shelter if the defendant did not make reasonable arrangements for the care of the animal.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The Animal Services Code (LC Ch. 7) does not comprehensively regulate feeding of deer, elk, or other wildlife - that falls to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which discourages and can restrict feeding of big game. Where the county code bites is on domesticated animals: an "Animal Owner" (LC 7.005.005) includes anyone who keeps, harbors, or has an animal in their care for six weeks or more, or who knowingly permits it to remain on their premises - so persistently feeding a stray can make you its legal owner.

Violations & Fines

Animal abandonment is a Class A violation (LC 7.005.105). Big-game wildlife-feeding conflicts are handled by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, not the county animal code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed a stray cat or dog that shows up?
Keeping or harboring an animal for six weeks or more can make you its legal owner under LC 7.005.005, and you cannot then simply abandon it without proper care - abandonment is a Class A violation.
Is feeding deer or other wildlife illegal?
The county animal-control chapter does not broadly ban it, but the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates and can restrict feeding of big game such as deer and elk.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lane County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Lane County rules

Compare Lane County to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview

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Wildlife Feeding in Cities Across Lane County

Eugene, OR