COLUMBUS \u2014 An Ohio city is making it illegal to feed deer. <\/p>\n
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks<\/a>]<\/p>\n The Columbus city council unanimously enacted a \u201cno-feed\u201d ordinance on Monday night, our news partners WBNS-10 TV reported<\/a>. <\/p>\n TRENDING STORIES:<\/p>\n The move comes as the city has been reviewing results of a 2025 survey, which asked residents what they would like the city to do to control the growing deer population. <\/p>\n The city said 63% of respondents said they would support a no-feed ordinance.<\/p>\n \u201cThis ordinance will not reduce the deer population in our city. This is one of many tools the city can use to start addressing this issue,\u201d Councilmember Nancy Day-Achauer said.<\/p>\n She acknowledged the interest in a deer culling program, including bringing in professional sharpshooters, but said that process could take time, WBNS-10 TV reported<\/a>. <\/p>\n The majority of the survey responses came from residents of Clintonville. <\/p>\n \u201cI have been here almost 22 years, and the deer problem has gotten increasingly worse. I mean, when we first moved here, it was rare to see a deer. Now it is rare not to see a deer,\u201d Andy Hang of Clintonville said.<\/p>\n Hang told WBNS-10 TV<\/a> that he\u2019s moved nearly all of his plants to the fenced-in backyard to protect them from deer. <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have a problem with deer. I like seeing them, but there are just too many. I am all for culling them, giving the meat to food banks, but it is a problem,\u201d Hang said.<\/p>\n Lynzee Murray said the deer can sometimes act aggressively and make her and her dog feel unsafe. She carries a horn with her on walks to scare them away. <\/p>\n \u201cI have complicated feelings. I think they are beautiful and I like seeing the nature in our neighborhood. I think that is a positive thing, but I think it has caused some conflict, I think for the people living here and their pets and for the deer,\u201d Murray said.<\/p>\n The no-feed ordinance will be enforced by Columbus police. Violators could face a misdemeanor charge and a $150 fine, WBNS-10 TV reported<\/a>. <\/p>\n The ordinance, which goes into effect on June 10, only bans intentional feeding of deer and excludes bird and squirrel feeders. <\/p>\n