We the citizens of Camden, Maine believe that the local native wildlife should not be sustained by wholesale artificial means. We believe no person shall harbor, keep, or feed any animal or bird on private or public property in a manner that creates an unclean, unsafe, or unsanitary condition either on such person’s property, the Town’s property, or any other neighboring private property.
We understand that in May 2012 the City of Rockland encountered a similar issue with the wholesale feeding of wildlife. Rockland addressed this problem by adopting a new code, effective July 11, 2012, that prevents the feeding of any animal or bird in a manner that creates unsanitary conditions.
We urge the Select Board of Camden to promptly amend the Town's code to address with language to the following effect.
No person shall harbor, keep, or feed any animal or bird, on private or public property, in a manner that creates an unclean, unsafe, or unsanitary condition either on such person’s property or on the property of another or of the Town, that causes annoyance to others, property damage, or otherwise deleteriously affects the quiet enjoyment by others of any private or public property, by dispensing, feeding, or otherwise making available to any species of wildlife, including birds, any type or amount of food that creates an unreasonable disturbance or to such a degree that the wildlife becomes unnaturally dependent on this food source, or attracts other wildlife, vermin, or pests, or results in the accumulation of droppings, feces, feathers, or otherwise constitutes a private or public nuisance.
8 Comments
I believe that a few individuals are creating a nuisance that unreasonably impacts others in town. Feeding birds in a way that creates a mess on other residents' or town property should be prevented with an enforceable code.
I'm not ready to sign because I wonder whether we'll still be able to feed the ducks at River Ducks Ice Cream and whether small-pond owners will be able to feed their domestic and wild ducks. Are backyard bird feeders excepted? Also wondering if this is just one more rule on the books that will not be enforced, just like the rules that prohibit skateboarding downtown, smoking at the Public Landing, and walking in the street when sidewalk is available (did you even know about that one?). Has anyone ever been fined for any of these offenses? And has anyone ever been fined for not picking up dog poop? Is there already some ordinance on the books that can address this issue, let's say from a public health standpoint?
I live in this neighborhood and walk/run all the streets in, around and connecting Chestnut and Bay View streets and have noticed a huge increase in the amount of sea gulls, crows and squirrels on roofs, in yards, dead on the sreets. I have also noticed the roof/chimney damage from nesting seagulls. I am a nature lover and respect it's natural path. The overfeeding is not compatible with that path.
The health hazards resulting from congregating animals, and the attendant negative impact on tourism are both compelling reasons for the Select Board of Camden to pass this amendment.
This proposed amendment is in the best interests of all residents of Camden. It addresses a public health issue as well as an unfair financial burden for those affected.
I urge the town to take action
I agree it has become excessive
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We the citizens of Camden, Maine believe that the local native wildlife should not be sustained by wholesale artificial means. We believe no person shall harbor, keep, or feed any animal or bird on private or public property in a manner that creates an unclean, unsafe, or unsanitary condition either on such person’s property, the Town’s property, or any other neighboring private property.
We understand that in May 2012 the City of Rockland encountered a similar issue with the wholesale feeding of wildlife. Rockland addressed this problem by adopting a new code, effective July 11, 2012, that prevents the feeding of any animal or bird in a manner that creates unsanitary conditions.
We urge the Select Board of Camden to promptly amend the Town's code to address with language to the following effect.
No person shall harbor, keep, or feed any animal or bird, on private or public property, in a manner that creates an unclean, unsafe, or unsanitary condition either on such person’s property or on the property of another or of the Town, that causes annoyance to others, property damage, or otherwise deleteriously affects the quiet enjoyment by others of any private or public property, by dispensing, feeding, or otherwise making available to any species of wildlife, including birds, any type or amount of food that creates an unreasonable disturbance or to such a degree that the wildlife becomes unnaturally dependent on this food source, or attracts other wildlife, vermin, or pests, or results in the accumulation of droppings, feces, feathers, or otherwise constitutes a private or public nuisance.
8 Comments
It's an early morning wake up call from gulls being fed at dawn. They now roost on our roof along with pigeons waiting for their next free meal. Enough.
I believe that a few individuals are creating a nuisance that unreasonably impacts others in town. Feeding birds in a way that creates a mess on other residents' or town property should be prevented with an enforceable code.
I'm not ready to sign because I wonder whether we'll still be able to feed the ducks at River Ducks Ice Cream and whether small-pond owners will be able to feed their domestic and wild ducks. Are backyard bird feeders excepted? Also wondering if this is just one more rule on the books that will not be enforced, just like the rules that prohibit skateboarding downtown, smoking at the Public Landing, and walking in the street when sidewalk is available (did you even know about that one?). Has anyone ever been fined for any of these offenses? And has anyone ever been fined for not picking up dog poop? Is there already some ordinance on the books that can address this issue, let's say from a public health standpoint?
I live in this neighborhood and walk/run all the streets in, around and connecting Chestnut and Bay View streets and have noticed a huge increase in the amount of sea gulls, crows and squirrels on roofs, in yards, dead on the sreets. I have also noticed the roof/chimney damage from nesting seagulls. I am a nature lover and respect it's natural path. The overfeeding is not compatible with that path.
The health hazards resulting from congregating animals, and the attendant negative impact on tourism are both compelling reasons for the Select Board of Camden to pass this amendment.
This proposed amendment is in the best interests of all residents of Camden. It addresses a public health issue as well as an unfair financial burden for those affected.
I urge the town to take action
I agree it has become excessive
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It's an early morning wake up call from gulls being fed at dawn. They now roost on our roof along with pigeons waiting for their next free meal. Enough.