Feeding wildlife on private and public property

To help keep people and wildlife safe, new regulations under Chapter 349, Animals Bylaw came into effect on April 1, 2023, making feeding wildlife prohibited on both private and public properties across Toronto.

The new regulations do not apply to feeding the following animals on private property:

  • Songbird, provided your bird feeder is kept in a sanitary condition and does not act as an attractant to other wildlife.
  • Feral /stray cats; colony caretakers may still feed feral cats as long as no food is left behind as a possible wildlife attractant. More information on feral cats can be found on the City website. 


Feeding wildlife can be harmful to both people and animals. Toronto Animal Services will educate and will warn residents first, if this does not stop the behaviour, further action can be taken.

To report someone feeding wildlife on private or public property you can submit a service request online at www.toronto.ca/311 or call 311. For more information about Animal Services and wildlife, visit the City of Toronto website. 

Municipal Licensing and Standards can also investigate and bring charges against Toronto residents under the following sections of the City of Toronto Municipal Code:

Littering and Dumping
Chapter 548, Littering and Dumping, Section 548 - 3, makes it an offence for anyone to dump garbage including organic waste (including fresh, frozen, dried, cooked, prepared foods and leftovers) on any piece of land in Toronto.

Property Standards
Chapter 629, Property Standards, Sections 9, 10B, and 22A, requires all yards and any other part of private property to be kept free from garbage, pests, or conditions that may attract pests or constitute health, fire, or other hazards. Garbage that is kept on private property has to be stored in containers.

Waste
Chapter 548 Section 548 - 4, prohibits the dumping of garbage on any land, except as required or permitted under commercial and residential waste bylaws. Section 548 -5, also requires the owner of the land to immediately clear it.

If any of these conditions exist, you can submit a service request online at www.toronto.ca/311, or call 311 to submit a service request for an investigation by Municipal Licensing & Standards.

There are also bylaws that require tenants to keep their balconies free of droppings, and bylaws relating to the keeping of pigeon coops.

Related information: