Jefferson Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- Waterfowl feeding
- Prohibited
- Buffer from street/residence
- 20 feet
- Second-offense fine
- Up to $100
- Third-offense fine
- Up to $500
- Governing sections
- Code §§ 7-219, 7-222
Summary
Jefferson Parish prohibits intentionally feeding waterfowl (ducks, geese, and other amphibious birds) by making food available on private property or within 20 feet of a public street or residence. Tossing bread, corn, or other feed on the ground for waterfowl is treated as prohibited feeding.
It shall be prohibited to harm, harass, and/or intentionally feed waterfowl by making food available for consumption on private property or on public property within a radius of twenty (20) feet of a public street and/or residence within the territorial limits of Jefferson Parish.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 7-219 makes it prohibited to harm, harass, or intentionally feed waterfowl by making food available for consumption on private property, or on public property within 20 feet of a public street or residence, within the parish. A person is deemed to have fed waterfowl if they place or toss food on the ground or within reach for consumption. 'Food' includes bread products, corn, oats, hay, nuts, grain, vegetables, and commercial wildlife or livestock feed, but not naturally fallen fruit or nuts and live vegetation. 'Waterfowl' means unowned or undomesticated ducks, geese, and other amphibious birds, including Muscovy ducks. Limited exceptions apply under Section 7-220.
Violations & Fines
First offenders receive a warning; second offenders face citations and a fine up to $100; third and later offenses carry a fine up to $500 each, adjudicated through the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed ducks at a park or in my yard?
What is the penalty for feeding waterfowl?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson Parish
Compare Jefferson Parish to another location·View the Louisiana animal ordinances overview
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