Council moves forward with deer feeding ban - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Sioux City leaders are moving ahead with an effort to curb the deer and turkey population.

Local leaders have been considering a feeding ban since 2010, after a spike in animal-related traffic accidents and complaints about property damage.

It failed two years ago, but Monday got unanimous approval from the council. The discussion drew a lot of public comment in council chambers. 

"If there is food and water out for the birds and squirrels how can you expect the deer to not partake in it," said Billie Erskine.

"There's deer going across that street all times of day  Somebody's gonna get killed," said Jerry Haupert.

"They're loaded with ticks, the ticks carry lyme disease," added Jim Moser.

One resident likened the ban to building a house near an airport and complaining about the noise.

"I can't believe you're gonna tell people that you're a criminal if you're gonna feed Bambi," said Jerry Moore.

"I understand what you're saying but the reality is we don't need to feed wild animals inside the city limits,"  said Mayor Bob Scott.

The punishment for feeding our forest friends comes with a fine between $65 and $750 for the first offense.

The public will have another chance to weigh in next week.  The ordinance has two more times before it goes on the books.