Anyone caught feeding seagulls in Ocean City will face possible $500 fine, 90 days in jail
(Image: Creative Commons)
It’s unlawful to feed seagulls and wildlife in Ocean City, New Jersey.
According to a letter from Mayor Jay A. Gillian, anyone caught violating the municipal ordinance — which will be “strictly enforced” — will face a fine as high as $500 and penalties up to 90 days in jail.
“The Ocean City Police Department in recent years has taken a ‘be nice, be kind’ approach when it comes to minor infractions related to the beach and boardwalk,” he wrote. “They try to issue only warnings. That will change.”
Gillian wrote that the city has received an increasing amount of complaints this summer as the “emboldened birds” attempt to take food from people.
“For the health and safety of both animals and humans, this must stop,” the mayor said.
The city is launching an awareness and educational campaign for the ordinance.
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