Lawrence, MA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LMC § 12.24.040
- Protected animals
- Squirrels, doves, other pet creatures
- Covered locations
- Any city park or playground
- Maximum fine
- $300 per offense (§ 1.16.10)
- Continuing violation
- Each day is a separate offense
- Related section
- § 12.24.030 bars defacing park trees/plants
Summary
Lawrence's municipal code makes it unlawful to stone or otherwise molest squirrels, doves or other pet creatures within any city park or playground. The ban sits in the chapter governing public parks, playgrounds and city-owned property, alongside rules against defacing trees, firing weapons and disorderly conduct on the same grounds.
No person shall, within any park or playground of the city, stone or otherwise molest squirrels, doves or other pet creatures.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 8).
Full Breakdown
24 (Public Parks, Playgrounds and Similar City-Owned Properties), bars anyone from stoning or otherwise molesting squirrels, doves or other pet creatures within any park or playground of the city. 070 separately bans annoying other persons, gambling and indecent acts on the same property. 110 requires every park visitor to obey the reasonable directions of a police officer, which is how Lawrence Police enforce the doves-and-squirrels rule in practice, since no dedicated animal-control unit is named in this chapter. 10: a fine of not more than $300 for each offense, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
The provision is narrow by design: it protects animals commonly encountered by park users on city-owned grounds rather than establishing a citywide wildlife-protection scheme, which in Massachusetts is otherwise a matter of state law.
Violations & Fines
Anyone caught throwing stones at, or otherwise harassing, doves, squirrels or other pet creatures in a Lawrence park or playground can be cited under the city's general penalty, Section 1.16.10: a fine of not more than $300 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate offense. Lawrence Police officers patrolling parks enforce Chapter 12.24's conduct rules, including Section 12.24.110's duty to obey a police officer's directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to harass pigeons or doves in a Lawrence park?
What penalty applies to molesting animals in a Lawrence park?
Does Lawrence's dove-and-squirrel rule apply outside city parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lawrence
Compare Lawrence to another location·View the Massachusetts animal ordinances overview
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