In Sin City, feeding the birds is just a step too far.
Las Vegas made it illegal to feed wild birds and other animal at city parks, recreational facilities, and public plazas this month. Violators can be fined $10, but city marshals can issue warnings instead, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported. Signs will soon go up to remind residents about the new law.
The ordinance grew out of concern for the animals and the mess they leave behind.
“I think if we don’t get this under control, the people that love these birds so much, they’re going to wind up killing the birds,” Councilwoman Michele Fiore said.
Human food can make wildlife sick and animals congregate where there's free food. Kevin DesRoberts, wildlife manager with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said that birds and other animals will have to be relocated or euthanized if the population grows too much.
Also, more animals means more animal poop.
"The water is ... especially murky. I think a big part of that is because of the feces that’s being dumped in the water by the waterfowl," resident Joe Whitaker told 8 News Now about the condition of Floyd Lamb Park.
Fiore said that there have been multiple attempts to clean up the animals waste at Floyd Lamb Park.
In 2018, Las Vegas outlawed feeding pigeons, and can fine violators $1,000 or send them in jail for up to six months. With the newer ordinance having a much more lenient punishment, Mayor Carolyn Goodman the new law's practicality.
“We can’t get people to wash their hands and wear their masks, and we’re talking about fining people here. And who’s the Gestapo that’s out in all of our parks, that’s going to sit there, waiting to catch a little child making a mistake of feeding a bird?” she said.
Photo: Getty Images