It is the intent of this article to protect the health, safety
and welfare of the community and its wildlife by prohibiting the feeding
of waterfowl and migratory birds within cemeteries, golf courses and
Town parks. Feeding the waterfowl increases the potential for damage
to cemeteries, golf courses and public parks, may cause water quality
problems and may increase the potential for the spread of disease
to residents. In addition, it is the intent of this article to protect
the welfare of the waterfowl and migratory birds themselves since
wildlife studies have shown that the feeding of waterfowl and migratory
birds can interrupt their normal migration patterns, cause nutritional
problems, increase predation and promote the spread of serious waterfowl/migratory
bird diseases such as avian cholera, plague and botulism.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
FEED
To place, deposit, scatter or distribute in a location accessible
to waterfowl/migratory birds any type of food, including but not limited
to corn, wheat or other grains, bread, popcorn, scraps or any substance
liable to be eaten by the waterfowl/migratory birds.
WATERFOWL
Waterfowl, whether migratory or not, including but not limited
to Canada geese and mallard ducks.
No person shall feed or provide food for any waterfowl or migratory
birds at any time during the year in the cemeteries, golf courses
and Town parks.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall,
upon conviction, be punishable by a fine of not more than $250 or
by imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or both.
The provisions of this article shall be administered and enforced
by the members of the Fishkill Town Police and/or the Animal Control
Officer, who shall have the power to issue appearance tickets.