[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Health
as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Dogs, cats and other animals — See Ch. 52.
[Adopted 5-14-1992 by Ord. No. 92-1; amended
in its entirety 9-24-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-025]
For purposes of this article, the following terms, phrases,
words, and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein
unless their use in the text of this article clearly demonstrates
a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words
used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural
number include the singular number, and words used in the singular
number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory
and not merely directory.
To give, place, expose, deposit, distribute or scatter any
edible material with the intention of feeding, attracting or enticing.
Includes those species of birds commonly known as "swans,"
"geese" and "ducks" and any other waterfowl falling under the jurisdiction
of the United States Fish and Wildlife Services.
Any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm,
association, or political subdivision of this state subject to municipal
jurisdiction.
White-tailed deer (Obocoileus Virginianus).
All animals neither human nor domesticated, including but
not limited to, deer, raccoons, pigeons, skunk, and groundhogs.
Any animal not licensed to a Park Ridge resident or otherwise owned and cared for in accordance with Chapter 52 of the Borough of Park Ridge Revised General Ordinances.
It shall be unlawful to:
A.
Feed any migratory waterfowl, wildlife, wild or stray animals on
public or private property in the Borough of Park Ridge.
B.
Create any condition which results in a congregation of migratory
waterfowl, wildlife, wild or stray animals on public or private property
which:
(1)
Results in an accumulation of feces or droppings;
(2)
Results in damages to flora, fauna, or public property or safety
or welfare;
(3)
Results in a threat or nuisance to the public health, safety or welfare;
or
(4)
Results in a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of said migratory
waterfowl or wildlife.
C.
No person shall feed, in any public park or on any other property
owned or operated by the Borough of Park Ridge, any wildlife, excluding
confined wildlife (for example, wildlife confined in zoos, parks or
rehabilitation centers, or unconfined wildlife at environmental education
centers), including but not limited to:
(1)
Giving, placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering
any edible material with the intention of feeding, attracting or enticing
wildlife. Feeding does not include baiting in the legal taking of
fish and/or game.
A.
When so directed by the Health Officer, and at the property owner's
expense, signs not less than 18 inches by 24 inches in size, bearing
the words "Feeding of Waterfowl and Wildlife Prohibited," together
with any qualifications, shall be conspicuously pasted by the owner
of the property. This article shall not pertain to residential properties.
B.
Defacing, tampering with or damaging such signs when posted shall
constitute a violation of this article.
A.
This article shall be enforced by the Health Department and Police
Department through the Borough of Park Ridge.
B.
Whenever the Health Officer or police become aware that migratory
waterfowl, wildlife, wild or stray animals are being fed in violation
of this article, they may issue a summons which shall be answerable
before the Municipal Magistrate.
C.
Whenever the Health Officer becomes aware that a congregation or
congestion of migratory waterfowl, wildlife, wild or stray animals
exists on public property, he or it may direct the Police Department
to disburse or remove them by any lawful means. However, before such
dispersal or removal takes place, the Police Department shall receive
direct authorization from the Borough Administrator or the Mayor and
Council and, with his or its advice and consent, determine the appropriate
method, considering first the health, safety and welfare of the citizens
of Park Ridge and second, the health, safety and welfare of the migratory
waterfowl, wildlife, wild or stray animals.
D.
Whenever the Health Officer in his or its sound discretion determines
that waterfowl, wildlife, wild or stray animals shall be dispersed
by scare tactics or noise tactics, they may enlist the assistance
for the implementation of the plan from the Police Department and/or
Public Works Department or from any responsible citizen or citizens.
This subsection shall not be construed to authorize any private citizen
to discharge any firearm or to use any device which launches a projectile
of any type. It shall be used in a reasonable way respecting the rights
of surrounding houses from excessive noise level.
E.
The Health Officer shall apply for and secure all permits necessary
by law before dispersing or removing migratory waterfowl, wildlife,
wild or stray animals.
Any person who is found guilty of violating any section of this
article shall be punished by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 90 days'
imprisonment, to be determined at the discretion of the Municipal
Court.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit property
owners from maintaining enclosed, elevated bird feeders which do not
create a public health risk or unsanitary conditions.
