Warwick ordinance would fine residents up to $500 for feeding wild animals

Residents in Warwick may have to pay up if they continue to feed wildlife in the city, as the City Council passed an ordinance after receiving several complaints regarding Warwick’s rat problem, and other unwanted varmint.

It’s a law that is already on the books on the state level that the RI DEM would usually handle, but the council voted unanimously to let Warwick Police issue citations for any complaints.

Rob Cote said because his neighbor has been feeding wildlife, he’s received plenty of unwanted pests and he’s scared that rats will soon follow.

“I’ve lost thousands of dollars in plantings, just the amount of time trapping the animals and moving them,” Cote said. “60 opossums, 35 skunks, 6 raccoons, 200 squirrels.”

The ordinance will give a warning to first time offenders, a fine up to $200 for second time offenders, and a fine up to $500 if residents violate the ordinance a third time.

But another huge problem is the illegal feedings are contributing to Warwick’s rat problem in certain neighborhoods, according to Council President Steve Merolla.

“Some of the residents were feeding or throwing food on the ground which was creating a problem,” Merolla said. “It doesn’t help when residents are throwing food on the ground to attract them.

Ward Two Councilman Jeremy Rix said his ward has been hit hard by the rat infestation, as he’s been receiving several complaints regarding rats and neighbors feeding wildlife.

Rix said as the city continues to pursue a $20,000 rat removal program, the illegal feedings are a bit of a set back.

“You have someone who is actively feeding all of these rats, the rats are going to eat the food rather than the poison and the problem persists,” Rix said. “An ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure.”

For Cote he thinks it’s ridiculous that the problem has been so bad that the Council is addressing it.

“I think it’s just a shame that the City Council has to spend time drawing up ordinances for people who just can’t exercise common sense,” Cote said.

The full council will need to pass the ordinance again at the second meeting in March before it goes into effect. The ordinance will then need to be signed by the mayor.