Berkeley Lake to residents: Stop feeding animals

By Shane Blatt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Berkeley Lake has outlawed the feeding of wildlife citywide, approving a controversial ordinance that likely is the first of its kind in Georgia.

The local law, approved unanimously by the City Council on Thursday night, would impose fines of up to $1,000 for willfully feeding animals, from chipmunks to vultures. The exceptions: fish and songbirds.

The law had undergone dozens of revisions since it was introduced in March after a rash of feedings.

It also sparked controversy in this Gwinnett County community of 2,000. Proponents argued the ordinance would break the animals' dependence on artificial food sources and curb potentially dangerous encounters between animals and residents. But opponents maintained the law was too restrictive -- or unnecessary.

Mayor Lois Salter said the vote came at time of heightened anxiety in the city.

Last weekend, a girl saw a hawk sitting in a driveway on Lakeshore Drive, the mayor said. The girl reached for her cellphone to take pictures. The hawk, mistaking the phone for food, flew at the girl, Salter said.

"I don't want something to happen where someone is hurt," Salter said. "Not only would that sadden me … but I think the backlash would be very severe on the animals."