City Ordinance Regarding Feeding Ducks

La Porte Citizens are reminded of the 2025 ordinance concerning the prohibition of feeding wild animals. The ordinance is intended to serve the best interests of citizen welfare as well as the safety of wild animals in our community.

Sec. 14-201. – Feeding of wild animals prohibited.
(a)Except as provided below a person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly feeds wild animals by making food available for consumption on private or public property within the territorial limits of the city.(b)A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly leaves or stores any refuse, garbage, food product, pet food, or forage product in a manner that would attract a wild animal.

Sec. 14-202. – Exceptions; affirmative defenses.
(a)
This article does not apply to the placement of food into feeders kept at a minimum of five feet above the ground surface and intended for birds.
(b)
This article does not apply to an animal control officer, veterinarian, peace officer, city employee, federal or state wildlife official, who is acting pursuant to a lawfully authorized program to treat, manage, capture, trap, hunt, or remove wildlife and who is acting within the scope of the person’s authority.
(c)
This article shall not apply to birdfeeders used for the sole purpose of feeding wild birds within the boundaries of a person’s owned or occupied property.
(d)
This article does not apply to individuals who possess a hunting permit as and set out feed for the purpose of baiting and attracting game animals.
(e)
This article does not apply to any person who is using food as an attractant to live trap a wild animal, a stray animal or a feral/community cat in a legally authorized or permitted manner.
(f)
It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section if a person places food, in good faith, for the purpose of feeding domestic livestock or domestic pets located on their property.

We appreciate the community’s cooperation as we work together to protect residents, wildlife, and the overall quality of life in La Porte. For questions or more information, please contact the City of La Porte.