Boca Raton city leaders have proposed an ordinance to ban the intentional feeding of what the city defines as “nuisance animals,” including iguanas, rats, mice, and pigeons. The measure aims to reduce large gatherings of these animals, which can create health and sanitation concerns in neighborhoods.
Concerns Over Public Health
According to Mayor Andy Thomson, the issue is particularly noticeable around the city’s many ponds and waterways, where iguanas and rodents are commonly seen. Thomson emphasized that the goal of the ordinance is not to issue citations but to discourage a practice that can negatively affect both neighborhoods and wildlife.
The proposed ordinance states that residents would be prohibited from intentionally placing or leaving food in quantities that would purposely attract nuisance animals to a specific area. If approved, violators could face fines of up to $100 for intentionally feeding these animals.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
