Aurora, CO Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 14-6(f)
- Covers
- Wild birds, fowl, waterfowl, nests, eggs, young
- Max fine
- $2,650 per offense
- Max jail
- 364 days
- Enforced by
- Aurora animal protection officers, police
Summary
Aurora's animal cruelty chapter makes it unlawful to frighten, shoot, trap or otherwise harm any wild bird or waterfowl, or to disturb its nest, eggs or young, anywhere in the city.
It shall be unlawful for any person within the city to at any time willfully frighten, shoot at, wound, poison, kill, capture, ensnare, net, trap or in any other manner molest or injure any bird, fowl or water fowl or in any manner willfully molest or injure the nest, eggs or young of any such bird, fowl or water fowl.
(g) Unsafe tethering. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal to tether any animal in such a manner that the animal may become entangled or unable to reach shelter, food, or water, or in such a manner that the animal may be injured, strangled, or otherwise cause the animal to suffer.
(h) Fighting animals. It shall be unlawful for any person to cause, sponsor, instigate, allow, or encourage any animal to fight with another animal. It shall be unlawful for any person to train, breed, or keep any animal for the purpose of fighting. It shall be unlawful for any person to maintain a place where animals are permitted to fight for exhibition, wager, or sport. (Code 1979, § 7-3; Ord. No. 2020-55, § 7, 11-2-2020; Ord. No. 97-51, § 4, 10-13-1997)
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Aurora City Code § 14-6(f), part of the city's animal cruelty section, bars willfully frightening, shooting at, wounding, poisoning, killing, capturing, ensnaring, netting, trapping, or otherwise molesting or injuring any bird, fowl or waterfowl within city limits, and separately bars willfully molesting or injuring the nest, eggs or young of any such bird. Because it sits inside the general cruelty section, a violation carries the citywide general penalty: up to a $2,650 fine, up to 364 days in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense. This is a Colorado home-rule city ordinance enforced by Aurora animal protection officers and police, distinct from federal migratory-bird protections and from Colorado Parks and Wildlife's separate wildlife statutes.
Violations & Fines
Up to $2,650 fine and/or up to 364 days jail per Sec. 1-13 general penalty; each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove or disturb a bird nest in Aurora, CO?
Does Aurora's bird ordinance apply on private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
Compare Aurora to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.