Separate law makes it illegal to deed wild animals on private tracts
By: Cynthia Wiliamson
LAMBERTVILLE – It’s foul to feed the fowl.
Anyone caught feeding geese or ducks on land "owned or controlled by the city" could face a maximum $1,000 penalty or a community service sentence, under an ordinance adopted by the City Council, 4-0, at a public hearing Monday.
The council introduced a separate but related ordinance proposing to make it unlawful to feed "undomesticated animals" on private land accessed by the public. Even if the ordinance is adopted at a public hearing set for Oct. 16, the city would need a letter from the property owner authorizing police to enforce the proposed law.
The council considered the ordinance after receiving a request from resident Fred Lewis asking that his property, Lewis Island along the Delaware River, be included in the ordinance. The land is private, but Mr. Lewis allows visitors to the island where he also operates a shad fishery.
City Clerk Mary Elizabeth Sheppard said there are a number of private land owners who might find the proposed ordinance effective in controlling the geese population, such as the Lambertville Station restaurant and inn and the Raritan Pointe homeowners association.
Canada geese and ducks have gotten to be a major problem for this river community, especially at Cavallo Park on Mt. Hope Street adjacent to the Delaware and Raritan Canal.
The park has become laden with geese and duck droppings, which is a health concern as the feces pile up. There also are safety issues because some of the larger birds have known to become aggressive toward people.
The Public Works Department will post signs alerting visitors to the park and other city properties about the new ordinance.
The city’s Recreation Commission also has adopted a resolution requesting the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission take measures to reduce the geese and duck population.