Franklin Township, PA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

Chapter 16, Part 1 of the Franklin Township Code (Ord. 2012-01, 4/18/2012) governs conduct in every park the township operates. Subsection S of § 16-103 prohibits hunting for, capturing or killing, or attempting to capture or kill, or aiding or assisting in the capturing or killing of, any bird or animal of any description, whether game or otherwise, unless the township has granted written permission for that activity. The subsection immediately carves out fishing performed under a lawfully issued Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission license, which is specifically permitted without any further township approval.

It works alongside Subsection T, which separately bans discharging a firearm, bow and arrow, or other weapon in a park unless the township gives written permission and applicable law otherwise allows it. Together the two subsections mean wildlife in Franklin Township's parks, including birds, cannot be hunted, trapped or killed by any method without prior township authorization. This protection is limited to park property; the Code does not create a general, township-wide bird-protection ordinance covering private land. Enforcement follows § 16-106: a violation of any Chapter 16, Part 1 provision is a summary offense before a Magisterial District Judge, carrying a fine of not more than $1,000 per occurrence plus costs of prosecution and imprisonment not to exceed 90 days, with each day of a continuing violation, and each separately violated subsection, treated as its own offense subject to additional per diem fines.