Councillor asks city to prohibit feeding of wildlife

Holding out a peanut and watching a chipmunk come and stuff it in its cheek may look cute, but it can have consequences for both the community and its wildlife.

To protect wildlife’s food-finding instincts, and in the face of humans encroaching on animal habitats, one city councillor is asking the city to forbid residents from feeding wild animals.

Councillor Laura Dudas is bringing forward a motion to committee on Thursday that requests an amendment to the Animal Care and Control By-law that prohibits the feeding of wild animals.

The move follows that of other cities that have similar bylaws in place. Toronto introduced a similar bylaw in April 2023, stating that feeding wild animals changes their natural instincts, causing problems for both the animals and the communities.

There are exceptions in place for things like bird feeders and fishing, as well as cultural practices.

Feeding wild animals can also encourage rodents like mice and rats to move into human structures as they continue to search for more food. An annual list from Orkin Canada placed Ottawa as the eighth rattiest city in Canada.

The National Capital Commission already puts out notices to residents to avoid feeding wildlife, citing concerns for the health of the animals, but also the spread of diseases to humans.

The fear has become particularly heightened as the avian flu continues to fester across the country.

The motion will be voted on at the city’s Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee Thursday.