No. Feeding wild pigeons in Illinois violates local ordinances in multiple municipalities, including Chicago, where the 2024 Animal Care and Control Act prohibits feeding non-domesticated birds in public spaces. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) classifies such feeding as a Class C misdemeanor under 17 Ill. Adm. Code § 1090, effective January 2025, due to concerns over public health risks and ecological disruption. Violators face fines up to $750, with repeat offenses escalating to municipal court proceedings.
Key Regulations for Feeding Wild Pigeons in Illinois
- Local Ordinance Enforcement: Chicago’s Municipal Code § 7-12-410 explicitly bans feeding pigeons in parks, plazas, and streets, with enforcement by the Department of Streets & Sanitation. Suburban jurisdictions like Evanston and Naperville mirror this restriction under their respective nuisance abatement policies.
- State Wildlife Statutes: IDNR’s 2025 amendments to the Wildlife Code prohibit intentional feeding of migratory birds, including feral pigeons (Columba livia), citing the spread of salmonella and histoplasmosis. Exceptions require permits for licensed wildlife rehabilitators only.
- Public Health Nexus: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) links pigeon feeding to increased disease vectors, as outlined in the Public Health Act (20 Ill. Comp. Stat. 635/1.1). Municipalities may impose additional penalties under health department directives.
Non-compliance triggers escalating enforcement, from warnings to citations, with IDNR prioritizing repeat offenders in high-density urban areas. Always verify county-specific rules, as rural jurisdictions may impose stricter penalties under local conservation codes.