Sep 17, 2013 By Susan Schmeichel 1 min read

Bethel Park officials are considering enacting an ordinance regulating the feeding of wildlife.

Complaints from residents prompted council members to ask police BP Chief John Mackey to write an ordinance prohibiting residents from large scale feeding of deer, feral cats and other wildlife.

“We’re not talking bird feeders,” explained Councilman James McLean.

Council members said residents would be cited only if the feeding of wildlife affected other people in the neighborhood.

“It’s only an issue when its an extreme case,” said Councilman Mark O’Brien.

Councilwoman Lorrie Gibbons suggested that the ordinance cover not only private property, but also public areas such as the Montour Trail, where people often leave large amount of food for wild animals,

Mackey said he had researched ordinances from the neighboring communities of Mt. Lebanon and South Park Township and will write an ordinance using those documents as a guide. The proposed ordinance will include varying degrees of penalties from warnings to fines.