City Council Talks Geese, Feral Cat Problems

It may soon be illegal to feed wild animals in the city of Twinsburg.

At Tuesday night's meeting, At-Large Councilman Bill Furey

Furey said the issue was initially proposed because of a problem with geese, especially in places with lakes and ponds such as Ethan's Green. The areas around the ponds are littered with feces from the birds, which are attracted by people who feed them.

“The geese problem has become unhealthy for residents in those areas,” Furey said, adding that one resident had her “entire driveway covered” with geese feces.

The ordinance would "alleviate the problems and nuisance created when wild animals are fed in residential areas," the new legislation states.

The Ethan's Green Homeowners Association, along with the city, has taken steps to combat the poop problem. Furey said that lights have been installed, the area has been sprayed, and streamers have been put up, all to stop them from landing.

"People are saying, 'Hey, you're doing all this stuff, but this lady’s putting 50 pounds of corn out to feed them,”’ Furey said.

Feral cats have also become an issue.

“People feel sorry for them and start to feed them and there’s wild cats in the neighborhood,” Furey said, adding that they can be dangerous to children.

The ordinance change would prohibit residents from feeding any wild or stray animals on public property, or within a 100 yard radius of any private residence or public right-of-way. The list of animals also includes stray dogs, deer, ducks, racoons, fowl and other wild animals.

It is OK to feed your own pets or "songbirds" from a stationery bird feeder.

According to the proposed legislation, violaters will be guilty of midemeanor offenses, including:

• First offense- minor misdemeanor
• Second offense- fourth degree misdemeanor
• Third offense- third degree misdemeanor
• Fourth offense and beyond- second degree misdemeanor