UPDATE: The matter was postponed until the next session of the city council on February 19, 2026.
A city council member in Ottawa is pushing for stricter regulations on messy bird feeders to manage the population of troublesome animals like rodents.
Laura Dudas, the councillor for Orléans West-Innes, has introduced a notice of motion directing city staff to revise the existing animal care and control bylaw or create a new one to tackle the issue of feeding wildlife.
As per the draft of Dudas’s motion, feeding wildlife leads to animals relying on humans for food, resulting in increased aggressiveness, higher risks of disease transmission, and attracting rodents such as rats and mice.
In an interview with CBC, Dudas highlighted that although individuals initially intend to feed birds, it often leads to the attraction of other animals.
Dudas remarked, “Once you set up a bird feeder, you might notice a squirrel approaching it. Subsequently, raccoons join in, and before you know it, skunks and their offspring appear, escalating the situation.”
Several Ontario municipalities have implemented regulations on feeding wildlife to varying degrees.
Toronto’s animal bylaw, for instance, prohibits wildlife feeding on both public and private properties, with an exception for songbirds, provided that the feeder is maintained in hygienic conditions and does not attract other wildlife, according to information on the city’s official site.
Similar bylaws are in place in Oakville, Vaughan, and Brampton. In Hamilton, feeding wildlife can result in fines of up to $10,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for subsequent violations. Meanwhile, in Mississauga, breaking the bylaw could lead to a penalty of up to $100,000.
A Problem of Displacement
Not everyone agrees with Dudas’s perspective on the situation.
Bob Volks, the owner of the Gilligallou Bird store in Almonte, suggested that developers and city officials should assess their impact on the natural habitat before commencing construction.
Volks emphasized that the issue with rats is more about displacement than a direct rat problem. He explained that these animals are displaced and are seeking food and shelter outside of their previous habitats.
He defended the rodents, stating that they are often unfairly criticized for simply trying to survive.
Volks mentioned that some of his Ottawa customers have encountered rat infestations in their areas, leading them to stop feeding birds. However, he opposed a complete ban on bird feeding, suggesting that such a measure might be just a temporary fix and questioned its enforceability.
He raised concerns, asking, “Will there be surveillance in residential yards?”
In addition, Volks pointed out the positive aspects of birdwatching, noting its calming effects on individuals.
Dudas has proposed that if her motion is accepted, it should be integrated into a broader bylaw review in the upcoming council term.