No, feeding wild pigeons in Ohio violates state wildlife regulations under the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 1501:31-15-03, which prohibits the intentional provision of food to non-game birds in public spaces. Local ordinances, such as Columbus City Code 903.03, further restrict feeding wildlife in parks and urban areas. Enforcement by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and municipal authorities has intensified ahead of the 2026 urban wildlife management plan revisions.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Ohio
- State Prohibition: OAC 1501:31-15-03 explicitly bans feeding wild pigeons (Columba livia) to prevent nuisance behaviors, disease transmission, and ecological disruption.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Cleveland (Codified Ordinances 613.01) and Cincinnati (Municipal Code 871-13) impose fines up to $500 for violations in parks or public property.
- Permit Requirements: ODNR may issue permits for controlled feeding under wildlife management programs, but these are rarely granted for pigeons due to their invasive status.
Violations are typically enforced through citations issued by park rangers or animal control officers, with repeat offenders facing escalated penalties. The ODNR’s 2025-2026 wildlife policy updates emphasize deterrence over tolerance, reflecting growing public health concerns tied to pigeon overpopulation in urban zones.