Clinton Township, MI Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

31, titled 'Disturbing Birds Prohibited,' makes it unlawful for any person to intentionally or negligently injure, molest, or disturb in any way birds, their nests, eggs, young, or brood, with an exception for any birds declared pests by law or ordinance. 33 requires that any animal be fed wholesome food and clean water. Read together, these sections show the township treats birds and nests as protected property interests distinct from general animal-cruelty language, reaching disturbance of nests and eggs even where no animal is directly harmed.

The ordinance traces to Ord. 409, passed December 15, 2014, and remains in force in the current code, current through May 26, 2026. Because the prohibition covers negligent as well as intentional disturbance, a resident who damages an active nest during tree trimming or yard work, not just someone who deliberately harasses birds, can be charged under this section unless the species involved is legally classified as a pest.