Hazed on Nextdoor, Rockville Man Cited for Feeding Fox

What started as a “found dog” post on social media site Nextdoor has turned into a hefty citation for a Rockville resident whose home backs up to Rock Creek Park. Thomas Sigmund was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine by Animal Patrol Services for violations of Sec. 5-202 of the Montgomery County Code. The code forbids residents to “raise, keep, or possess” wild animals.

It all started when Sigmund spotted what he thought was a lost dog in his yard, snapped a picture, and posted it on Nextdoor. Neighbors quickly pointed out it was a fox, and some were less than cordial in their remarks. Sigmund disputed them and the conversation became heated before Nextdoor moderators shut it down.

Two days later, Sigmund posted a picture of the fox eating from a dog bowl in his yard along with the caption “Guess I’ll just keep him then.” The next day Animal Patrol officers were at his door.

“We talked to him about why feeding and keeping wildlife is illegal and gave him a warning, but the guy kept insisting there was no law against feeding stray dogs,” said officer Dan Audibert. That night, Sigmund double downed and put another post on Nextdoor, this time showing him petting the fox along with the caption, “Smoochie loves me!” The post was forwarded to Audibert and triggered the citation.

Attempts to reach Sigmund and his attorney for comment were unsuccessful. Sigmund has until February 5th to pay or appeal the citation.