Is it illegal to feed deer in your garden?

FEEDING deer can be a tempting way to interact with wildlife, but there are important legal and environmental consequences to consider.

Here’s all you need to know about feeding deer in your garden.

Feeding deer in your garden is not explicitly illegal

Is it illegal to feed deer in your garden?

In many areas, feeding deer in your garden is not explicitly illegal, but it is often discouraged or regulated.

Local wildlife management guidelines frequently advise against feeding deer due to the potential for negative impacts on their health and behaviour.

Feeding deer can lead to issues such as dependency on human-provided food, which disrupts their natural foraging habits and can cause them to become a nuisance.

Additionally, local regulations may vary, so it’s important to check with your local wildlife authorities to understand any specific rules or restrictions that apply to feeding deer in your area.

By staying informed, you can avoid inadvertently contributing to problems with local wildlife populations.

Excessive feeding might attract more deer

Can you be fined for feeding deer in your garden?

Yes, you could face fines for feeding deer if it leads to problems or violates local regulations.

Excessive feeding can attract large numbers of deer, which may cause damage to your garden and surrounding areas.

Deer that become accustomed to human food can also pose risks such as vehicle collisions and the spread of disease.

In some regions, feeding wildlife (including deer) is regulated under local nuisance or wildlife protection laws.

If feeding deer creates issues such as property damage or safety concerns, you might receive a fine or be required to cease feeding them.

Everyone can see the trees and shrubs but you have 20:20 vision if you can spot the deer hiding in under 10 seconds

Is it illegal to feed any animals in your garden?

Feeding animals in your garden is generally not illegal, but various regulations may apply depending on the species and local laws.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 prohibits actions that harm wildlife, which includes providing food that could be detrimental to their health.

Additionally, local authorities may have specific rules regarding the feeding of wildlife to prevent issues like overpopulation and nuisance behaviour.

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 allows for intervention if feeding practices cause significant disturbances or problems within the community.