Since July 1, 2022, it has been illegal to intentionally feed deer in Worthington. The No-Feeding Ordinance is a key component of the city's deer management strategy, and community compliance plays an important role in its effectiveness. Here's what you need to know.
Why the Ordinance Exists
The feeding ban was designed to address several problems:
- Reduce congregation: When people feed deer, the animals gather in larger groups than they would naturally. This increases the likelihood of vehicle collisions and property damage in those areas.
- Discourage dependency: Feeding makes deer reliant on non-native food sources and encourages them to stay in suburban areas rather than dispersing.
- Slow population growth: When deer congregate in feeding areas, it may increase breeding activity and population growth.
- Protect property: Concentrated deer populations cause more damage to landscaping and vegetation.
What's Prohibited
The ordinance prohibits intentionally putting out food for deer to eat on private or public property within the city. This includes:
- Fruits
- Grains
- Salt licks
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Any other edible materials that may be consumed by deer
Food left outside for pets or stray animals that deer could reasonably be expected to eat is also regulated. Such food must be secured or screened to prevent deer access.
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What's Still Allowed
The ordinance includes several exemptions:
- Bird feeders: Commercially purchased bird feeders are exempt and not regulated. However, if a feeder has been altered, it should be at least five feet above the ground or screened to keep deer from accessing it.
- Gardens: Vegetable gardens, flower gardens, and naturally growing landscaping are specifically exempt.
- Compost piles: Compost and mulch piles are not affected by this ordinance.
- Natural growth: Naturally growing plants, shrubs, and lawns are exempt.
How Enforcement Works
Enforcement is complaint-driven, similar to other code enforcement issues in Worthington. The process works as follows:
- A resident files a complaint with the city
- The Planning and Building Department code enforcement officer investigates
- If a violation is found, a letter is sent to the property owner informing them of the law
- Continued violations after notification could result in misdemeanor charges
The city's approach emphasizes education first. The goal is to inform residents about the law and the reasons behind it, giving them an opportunity to comply before any penalties are considered.
How to Report a Violation
If you believe a neighbor is feeding deer, you have two options:
Online: Fill out the online complaint form on the city's website.
By mail: Download and print the complaint form and return it to:
Department of Planning and Building
374 Highland Ave
Worthington, OH 43085
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Understanding the Legal Terms
The ordinance uses two legal standards:
"Purposely" – The highest standard. A person acts purposely when it is their specific intention to cause a result. Example: Putting out a salt lick specifically for deer.
"Recklessly" – A lower standard meaning heedless indifference to consequences. Example: Leaving an open bag of bird feed on the ground in the yard where deer have been seen.
Purposely feeding deer carries higher potential penalties than reckless violations.
Why Your Participation Matters
Even with the targeted removal program beginning in January 2026, the no-feeding ordinance remains crucial. Feeding deer undermines other management efforts by:
- Concentrating deer in areas where they might not otherwise gather
- Making deer less wary of humans
- Encouraging deer to stay in residential areas
Citywide compliance helps ensure that population management efforts have lasting effects.
Questions?
For more information about the no-feeding ordinance or to report concerns, contact the Planning and Building Department at 614-431-2424.
This is part of a special edition newsletter on Worthington's Deer Management Program.