Afton council adopts ordinance banning intentional feeding of deer with reduced fines

The Afton Town Council adopted Ordinance 633 on Jan. 12, 2016, prohibiting the intentional feeding of deer within the town limits and prescribing modest fines for violations. Mayor Joel Neuenschwander presented the ordinance for third and final reading, and Councilman Jerry Hansen moved to amend the penalty section to set fines of up to $25 for a first offense and up to $75 for any subsequent offense; Councilman Rick Merritt seconded and the amendment passed.

The ordinance text presented by the mayor defines "feed or feeding" as "the intentional act of furnishing or otherwise making available food or other substance, which is likely to be consumed by deer and for the purpose of feeding deer," and excludes naturally growing vegetation, planted yards/gardens, and bird feeders. After the amendment, Councilman Jason C. Inskeep moved to pass Ordinance 633 on third and final reading with the amendment; Councilman Merritt seconded. Councilmen Hansen and Hoopes voted no; Mayor Neuenschwander voted in favor and the motion carried, adopting the ordinance effective Jan. 12, 2016.

Council discussion and the ordinance text emphasize public-safety and property concerns, saying deer numbers within town boundaries have caused property damage and pose safety risks. The ordinance adds a section to Title 18 that makes it an offense to intentionally provide food to deer on public or private property within town limits, while clarifying permitted exceptions. The council directed the ordinance be published; the ordinance record shows first reading on Nov. 10, 2015, second reading on Dec. 8, 2015, and final adoption on Jan. 12, 2016.

Next steps: the town will publish the ordinance and provide enforcement guidance; the ordinance text sets the fines and effective date but does not specify enforcement procedures, which the town may clarify in follow-up administrative guidance.