'Geese Feces' at the Center of Anti-Feeding Proposal

Updated at 3:05 p.m.

Twinsburg City Council will vote on an ordinance Tuesday that could make it illegal to feed or harbor some animals in the city.

At-Large Councilman Bill Furey proposed a change to the city ordinance that would "alleviate the problems and nuisance created when wild animals are fed in residential areas," the new legislation states.

Furey said the issue was proposed because of a problem with geese.

"Ethan's Green has a huge geese problem, primarily at the golf course and Ethan's Green Homeowners Association," Furey said. The areas around the ponds are littered with feces from the birds, which are attracted by people who feed them.

"It's unsafe and unhealthy," Furey said, adding that none of the previous measures to keep away geese work if people continue to feed them.

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 including stray dogs, cats, geece, feral cats, deer, ducks, racoons, fowl and other wild animals.

"Feral" cats are considered wild or stray or a previously owned cat that was let loose by it's owner.

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