Jury to consider feeding squirrels ordinance in West Allis

WEST ALLIS -- Controversy over feeding squirrels will head to court this week. On Thursday, a jury will consider whether several residents should have been fined for feeding the squirrels in their yards.

The residents were fined over $500 last year, and appealed, filing lawsuits with claims of over $5,000. Some neighbors were worried it created a nuisance and attracted rats.

At the jury trial, the City of West Allis is expected to admit it cannot prevail, because the ordinance was intended to be used against large sellers of food products, but West Allis City Attorney Jenna Merten says she wants the ordinance to include prohibiting the feeding of birds and squirrels on residential property.

A meeting was held to discuss the ordinance Tuesday night at West Allis City Hall.