New Ordinance Proposed to Prohibit Hunting and Trapping in Cleveland
Cleveland City Council is considering a new emergency measure that would prohibit the hunting and trapping of animals and fowl throughout the city. Introduced by Council Member Polensek, Ord. No. 1341-2026 seeks to add a new section to the city's existing laws to regulate these activities.
What's in the file
The proposed emergency ordinance would supplement the Codified Ordinances of Cleveland, 1976, by enacting a new Section 603.13. According to the 1341-2026-new section 603.13 hunting Polensek document, the following rules would apply:
- The hunting or trapping of animals or fowl within the City is prohibited.
- No person may hunt, kill, attempt to kill, trap, capture, or injure any animal or fowl using firearms or any other means, unless specifically authorized by the Director of Public Safety.
- Violations of this section would be classified as a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
The ordinance is designated as an emergency measure to support the usual daily operations of a municipal department. If it receives an affirmative vote of two-thirds of all elected Council members, it would take effect and be in force immediately upon passage and mayoral approval.
Who may be affected
- Director of Public Safety: Holds the authority to authorize specific hunting or trapping instances.
- All persons within the City: Prohibited from hunting, trapping, or injuring animals and fowl under the new section.
Status and timeline
The legislation is currently moving through the legislative process:
- 2026-10-23: The ordinance was introduced.
- 2026-10-26: The ordinance received its first reading and was referred to the committees on Safety and Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as the directors of Public Safety, Finance, and Law.
What to watch next
The ordinance has been referred to the Safety and Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committees for further review.
Residents can verify all details of this proposal by reviewing the official record at the Cleveland City Council website.
Source record
- File
- 1341-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- First Reading
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- October 22, 2026