Colonie, NY Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 137-12(B), Parks and Recreation
- Protected
- Wild birds, reptiles, snakes, other wildlife
- Exception
- Special permission from Parks and Recreation Dept.
- Related rule
- § 137-9(G) bars throwing objects at wildlife
- Maximum fine
- $250 per offense, § 137-31(B)
- Scope
- Applies only within Town park boundaries
Summary
Town Code § 137-12(B) bars killing, trapping, hunting, pursuing or disturbing any wild bird, reptile, snake or other animal inside a Colonie Town park without Parks and Recreation Department permission; § 137-9(G) separately bans throwing objects at or annoying birds and squirrels, both carrying the same park-offense penalties.
No person shall kill, trap, hunt, pursue or in any manner disturb or cause to be disturbed any wild bird, reptile, snake or animal within the boundaries of any park unless special permission is granted by the Parks and Recreation Department. ... No person shall throw stones, objects or other missiles or in any way disturb or annoy birds, squirrels and other wildlife within the parks.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4902401; v37 updated 2026-05-28; through 05-28-2026).
Full Breakdown
" The same section's subsection (A) also protects park drives, paths, trees, shrubs, turf, structures and Town equipment from being defaced, removed or destroyed, so the wildlife clause sits alongside a broader ban on damaging park property. " Together the two sections cover everything from deliberately trapping a bird to throwing a rock at one while walking a Colonie bike path. The only lawful exception is a special permit issued by the Parks and Recreation Department under § 137-12(B); the code gives the Department sole discretion and does not list criteria for granting it.
Because this chapter's protections apply only "within the boundaries of any park," the ordinance does not reach private yards or non-park Town property; wildlife elsewhere in the Town falls under state Environmental Conservation Law, not this local chapter. Enforcement runs through the Colonie Police Department and Parks and Recreation Department under § 137-32, with the same fine and jail exposure, privilege revocation, and appeal rights under §§ 137-31 and 137-33 that apply to every other Chapter 137 offense.
Violations & Fines
Disturbing, trapping, hunting or pursuing a wild bird or other wildlife in a Colonie park without a Parks and Recreation Department permit is an offense under § 137-31(B): up to a $250 fine, up to 15 days in jail, or both, with each day treated as a separate violation. The Department may also revoke the violator's park privileges under § 137-31(A) and (C), and the Town Attorney can sue to recover any resulting cleanup costs under § 137-31(F).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to disturb birds in a Colonie park?
Does this bird protection apply outside Town parks?
What's the penalty for disturbing wildlife in a Colonie park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colonie
New York rules heatmap·Compare Colonie to another location·View the New York animal ordinances overview
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