New Chandler rules crack down on keeping, feeding wild birds like pigeons

The city of Chandler has updated its nuisance code to address the excessive feeding of wild birds.

The new language prohibits people from keeping or feeding non-domesticated birds, like pigeons, in a way that causes a public nuisance.

Under current city code, actions that are “injurious to health or safety” or an “obstruction to the free use of property” can be public nuisances.

Erica Barba is the neighborhood preservation senior manager with the city.

“We had a small uptick of complaints related to bird keeping or feeding. And so, it kind of asked the question of, you know, how can we clarify the ordinance a little better?” she said.

Among the problems caused by wild birds include damage to private property from their droppings.

“If you're feeding in excess, you are going to have bird droppings, say on your roof and on your personal private property,” she said.

The newest guidelines still allow for bird keeping and feeding to take place under certain conditions.

The changes go into effect next month.