It is the intent of this chapter to protect the health, safety and welfare
of the community and its wildlife by prohibiting the feeding of wild waterfowl
within the Town of Cheektowaga. Feeding of wild waterfowl within the town
has contributed to serious rat and other predatory animal infestation problems,
damage to public parks, water quality problems, traffic hazards, soiled and
contaminated private yards and swimming pools and has increased the potential
for the spread of disease to residents. In addition, it is the intent of this
chapter to protect the welfare of the wild waterfowl themselves since wildlife
studies have shown that the feeding of wild waterfowl within urban areas such
as the Town of Cheektowaga can interrupt their normal migration patterns,
cause nutritional problems, increase predation and promote the spread of serious
wild waterfowl diseases such as avian cholera, plague and botulism.
No person shall feed or provide food for any wild waterfowl at any time
during the year within the Town of Cheektowaga.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
FEED
To place, deposit, scatter or distribute in a location accessible
to waterfowl 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
wild waterfowl.
WILD WATERFOWL
Nondomesticated waterfowl, whether migratory or not, including but
not limited to Canada geese and mallard ducks.
A violation of this chapter is hereby declared to be an offense, punishable
by a fine not less than $50 nor more than $300 or imprisonment for a period
not to exceed 15 days, or both.
The provisions of this chapter shall be administered and enforced by
the members of the Cheektowaga Police Department.