City Ordinance prohibits bird feeding (1 Viewer)

[SixxStar]

I live a burb of Chicago, IL & was just informed by a neighbor (who also feeds the birds) that an ordinance was just passed that does not allow wild bird feeding w/in the city limits (notification was via city mass mailing that I hadn't looked at yet). I don't know when they'll begin to enforce it (or if they even really will), but it made me upset.

Does anyone else have this going on? I do not intend to stop feeding, I think this is absurd.

 

[KC Foggin]

Wow! I don't see how they can legally do that on property that you own and pay taxes on.

If there is a Homeowner's association for your particular area, then they can, and sometimes do, enact rules which homeowners in that association must abide by but as far as the city itself enacting such a rule, I find that way, way outragious and I would fight it tooth and nail if that is actually the fact.

 

[SixxStar]

No homeowners association involved, this is the city/town itself. My thoughts were exactly as yours, we own & pay taxes.

My neighbor says not to worry until someone says something, but still... I don't like that they even put this in place. I don't recall any open forum about this either, I would have heard about it.

 

[KC Foggin]

An after thought here. Is there a significant rodent problem within the city? They could issue an ordinance for health reasons if that was the case although I don't know of another city that has a bigger rodent problem than NYC and no such laws are in effect.

Your best bet would be to contact the nearest audubon chapter for the Chicago area and ask them if there is any realtiy to what you are hearing.

 

[SixxStar]

I am not aware of a *big* rodent issue, they occasionally bait the alleys-I'm only aware of 2 times in the 4 years that I've been here. I lived in Chicago all my life & they had a bigger problem, but it was that bad either-ya know?

I think I will call the "if you have any questions" # on the flyer tomorrow.

ETA: Actually KC, yes... I will contact my local chapter first. Thanks for the replies.

I'm holding my copy & it states "No person shall feed, or cause the feeding of, any wild/feral animals and/or birds within the corporate limits of the city."

 

[danehower]

I am wondering who the fool politician is who enacted this insaine ordinance. I would be furious as well Sixxstar! Mabey you could find out and then send some letters. - it is just bizarre , and idiotic - amazing who we have as leadership in this country! Ahhh..:-C - It is making me crancky thinking about it ! - Please keep us updated on the whole thing - it is shocking. - Take care ,dave

 

[KC Foggin]

Well, I've gone ahead and emailed the environmental section of the city of Chicago for a confirmation of the facts. Used my Audubon chairperson status in the request

 

[danehower]

Well, I've gone ahead and emailed the environmental section of the city of Chicago for a confirmation of the facts. Used my Audubon chairperson status in the request

Yeah KC !! - kick some butt!:t:

 

[SixxStar]

Thanks! Would they be able to answer for outside Chicago's limits though? I am in a suburb.

 

[KC Foggin]

Hopefully, if I receive a reply, and if there is such an ordinance, it will be outlined as to the reasons why it was put into effect and what it covers.

 

[SixxStar]

Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

I will still be calling the local chapter here tomorrow as well. I can't imagine having it "illegal" to feed the birds in my own backyard.

 

[Robert / Seattle]

I live a burb of Chicago, IL & was just informed by a neighbor (who also feeds the birds) that an ordinance was just passed that does not allow wild bird feeding w/in the city limits (notification was via city mass mailing that I hadn't looked at yet). I don't know when they'll begin to enforce it (or if they even really will), but it made me upset.

Does anyone else have this going on? I do not intend to stop feeding, I think this is absurd.

Why not contact your evening news stations with a "complaint". Good air time is sure to get a viewer response and hoped-for backpedaling by the city.

 

[KC Foggin]

Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

I will still be calling the local chapter here tomorrow as well. I can't imagine having it "illegal" to feed the birds in my own backyard.

Do let us know what the local chapter says. I don't like making waves until I know all the facts. For all we know it may be a rumor that just got out of hand. Either way, hopefully, you'll get an explanation and I'll receive a reply from the City.

 

[SixxStar]

I will, thanks again. I also want to know all the facts first.

I wanted to find out if anyone else here (since there are so many people from different areas) had any type of ordinance in place & if they were enforced.

 

[jcwings]

Here's another angle- visit your local department or hardware store, pet emporium, Big-box outlet etc. to see if they sell bird seed and other feeding supplies in your suburb affected by this ordinance. If they do then they aren't aware of the ordinance either. I bet if they were told they couldn't sell the products they would put up quite a fight. No business wants to give up potential profit and you suddenly find you have a lot of clout on your side.

The reason I bring this up is in a similar situation I was informed that the local cable TV company could charge for each TV I had plugged into their "service" in my own home. I told them that was ridiculous and if they had an issue they should take it up with Radio Shack, Target, Wal-mart, etc. because they sell the parts to split the signal in your home. When these stores stop selling the products to do what you want in your own home then I will disconnect the extra cable lines. There was nothing they could do about that and left me alone.

 

[SixxStar]

Well, I took a shot & called the city of neighborhood affairs for my town (offices were still open) & it's true. She said it's "rodent prevention" & then she said "I know". (she could hear my disgust)... said she'd like to tell me what she really thinks about it, but can't. She also feeds the birds & said that I shouldn't worry about being blighted for non-compliance.

I think I have heard it all now.

She suggested that I call public health to verify if 'bird seeds' are considered a root cause or something like that.

I cannot believe this.

Great angle JC... I will def mention this next time I'm in a shop here.

 

[KC Foggin]

If this is the case then you don't have to just sit around and take it. As JC mentioned, a talk with your local hardware stores, walmarts, wild birds unlimited, get them involved along with your local audubon chapter.

 

[Robert / Seattle]

Hello? Get this to the evening news. The power of media to rally public outrage cannot be underestimated!

 

[SixxStar]

Hi Robert, you have a great point. I always make a point to notice when people in my neighborhood have feeders & houses in their yards. I know I wouldn't be alone in this. I think because it's new (literally notifed only yesterday), people are not even aware yet.

My first step will be to get my local chapter involved & take it from there.

 

[Sancho]

Bizarre. From this side of the pond, I thought Chicago was an enlightened and advanced city. What are they going to do, round all the bird feeders up with Swat teams and pack `em into Guantanamo? On the other hand, turn lemons into lemonade, feed your birds and become the first Bird Feeding Activist to go down fighting - "I may never come out of here alive, but I want my kids to know their paw died ´cos the birds needed peanuts"... It´s comforting in a way to know that your politicians are as inept, incompetent and uneducated as ours......