Subject:
Title
Intent to Adopt Amendments to Chapter 3, Article 4 of the Town Code.
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DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE: Oct. 7, 2024, Feb. 10, 2025
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY: To assist in addressing concerns brought to council that relate to the feeding of deer and other wildlife in Town and the overall size of the deer population in the Town, the Town Attorney has drafted amendments to Chapter 3, Animals and Fowls, Article 4 Keeping of Wild or Vicious Animals prohibited of the Code of the Town of Vienna. These changes are:
Sec. 3-25.1 - Unlawful to feed or attract deer.
Sec. 3-25.2 - Unlawful to feed wild animals
Sec. 3-25.3 - Deer Management Program
If a Deer Management program is going to be considered for use in the Town, Chapter 3 will need to be amended to allow for the use of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources reduction of wildlife program after the approval of the Town Manager and Police Chief. This code change (Sec 3-25.3) does not allow hunting within the town but rather allows the use of a Deer Population Reduction Program (DPOP). Additionally, Amendments to Chapter 3, Article 4 would make it unlawful to feed deer (Sec. 3-25.1) and unlawful to feed wild animals in such numbers to cause property damage, endanger any person or wildlife, or create a public health concern (Sec. 3-25.2).
Departmental Recommendation: The Police Department recommends adopting the proposed changes for feeding deer and other wildlife, and if consideration for a deer management program is desired, Sec. 3-25.3, should also be adopted.
Town Attorney Recommendation: At the direction of the Town Council, the Town Attorney, Chief of Police, and the Town Animal Control Officer have prepared proposed Town Code provisions to address the feeding of wild animals as well as possibly permitting controlled deer management within the Town limits. In its discretion, the Town Council may approve the proposed Code provisions and direct the Town C...
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