Judge Denied Appeal to Feed Vultures in Columbia
A resident remains under a court injunction prohibiting the continued feeding of vultures on her property.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Bird Watching
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A Circuit Court judge has denied an appeal by Columbia resident Feng Sun to resume providing food for vultures. The court order upholds a previous injunction and a $2,500 fine related to the practice.
Why it matters
The ruling aims to resolve public health and safety concerns raised by neighbors regarding foul odors and property damage. The case highlights the legal boundaries between wildlife welfare and neighborhood sanitation standards.
Feng Sun provided up to 200 pounds of raw chicken daily during winter months and later added 40 cans of cat food plus 20 pounds of birdseed. A district court previously issued a $2,500 fine for these activities.
The players
Daniel Dwyer
He is the Circuit Court judge who presided over the appeal regarding the vulture feeding case.
Feng Sun
She is the Columbia resident who provided large quantities of food to vultures in her backyard.
The details
Sun previously deposited raw, bone-in chicken in her backyard, leading to complaints about excrement damaging car paint and coating grills. Residents also reported strong ammonia smells caused by the bird waste.
Timeline
August 2025: Sun began feeding birds cat food and birdseed.
January 2026: A neighbor filed a complaint with the health department.
June 29, 2026: Sun stopped feeding birds after a court-ordered injunction.
October 13, 2026: Judge Daniel Dwyer denied Sun's latest appeal.
November 5, 2026: A hearing is scheduled regarding a health department citation.
Culture Shift
This case reflects the increasing tension between individual wildlife feeding practices and urban sanitation requirements. It signals a move toward stricter enforcement of residential property standards to prevent public health hazards in suburban neighborhoods.
Residents in the Glenmont neighborhood may see improved air quality and reduced property damage now that the feeding has stopped. Those living in the area should remain aware of local ordinances regarding feeding wildlife to avoid potential health department fines.
The takeaway
Maintaining neighborhood sanitation is essential to avoid legal conflicts and fines from local health departments. Residents are encouraged to seek professional advice from wildlife experts before attempting to provide support to local scavenger populations.
What happens next
A hearing regarding a health department citation is scheduled for November 5, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local wildlife interaction guidelines at Columbia Bird Watching.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baltimore Banner.
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