Haverford, PA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

The bird rule sits in the general regulations for parks, § 126-3, as subsection L. It reaches all parks and playgrounds owned, used or leased by the Township, including those jointly used by the Township and others, as § 126-1B defines the Park Ordinance's coverage. Four acts are barred: annoying animals or birds, injuring or killing them, disturbing waterfowl in the streams, pools or ponds, and removing or carrying away any bird's nest or eggs.

The neighboring subsections protect the same habitat. Section 126-3K forbids injuring plants, climbing any tree, or fouling or contaminating any stream or water, and § 126-3I forbids carrying or using firearms or throwing stones or other missiles in a park. Section 126-3G(4) adds that no domestic animals other than service animals are permitted in Township parks without a permit, apart from the leashed canines allowed in the parks it lists.

For bird feeding at home, Chapter 49 contains the counterweight. Section 49-11C says bird baths, feeders and houses are permitted. Section 49-11A, however, says no owner or person shall feed, harbor or shelter feral cats and/or wild animals, and § 49-11B bars placing food or water unattended on property that could attract feral cats or wild animals. A bird feeder is therefore allowed by its own subsection, while the other two subsections govern the food and water left out.

The Police Department enforces the Park Ordinance and exercises general supervision over persons and property in all parks under § 126-7.