New Castle Bans Feeding Wild Animals in Public Spaces

Delaware has no statewide law, but one city prohibits the practice to protect wildlife and public safety.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:48am

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While there are no state-level regulations in Delaware about feeding wild animals, the city of New Castle has a local ordinance that forbids people from feeding wildlife, including feral cats, in public parks or on city-owned property. Violators can face fines between $25 and $100, or a fine and community service. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recommends against feeding wild animals at home as well, as it can be harmful to the animals and potentially dangerous for humans.

Why it matters

Feeding wild animals, even with good intentions, can have unintended negative consequences. It can make the animals dependent on human food sources, alter their natural foraging behaviors, and increase the risk of human-wildlife conflicts and the spread of disease. The New Castle ordinance aims to protect both the animals and public safety in the city's parks and public spaces.

The details

The New Castle ordinance prohibits feeding any wild animals, including feral cats, in public parks or on city-owned property. Violators can face fines ranging from $25 to $100, or a fine and community service. While Delaware has no statewide law regulating the feeding of wild animals, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service advises against the practice, even on private property, as it can be detrimental to the animals' health and well-being.

  • The New Castle ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wild animals in public spaces has been in effect since 2020.

The players

New Castle

A city in Delaware that has enacted a local ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wild animals in public parks and on city-owned property.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The federal agency that recommends against feeding wild animals, even on private property, as it can harm the animals and pose risks to public safety.

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The takeaway

The New Castle ordinance and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's guidance highlight the importance of not feeding wild animals, even with good intentions, as it can have unintended negative consequences for the animals and public safety. While Delaware has no statewide law on the issue, this local regulation shows how some communities are taking steps to protect their wildlife and public spaces.