Lower Paxton, PA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

Section 132-3 of the Lower Paxton Township Code, Preservation of property, natural resources and wildlife, applies to every person except those authorized by the Township and conducting Township business. Subsection C bars them, in recreation, park or conservation areas, from killing, trapping, hunting, pursuing or in any manner deliberately disturbing, or causing to be disturbed, any wild bird or animal within the recreation, park and conservancy sites owned by the Township. The text carries an exception cross-referenced to § 132-7C, and § 132-7C is the section that requires owners of domesticated animals to keep them on a leash not more than six feet long outside a designated dog park, and requires a permit for the training or exhibition of animals in designated areas.

The same section protects habitat. Subsection B bars removing, injuring or destroying any tree, flower, shrub, plant or growing thing, and subsection D bars placing in any pond, lake or stream any substance that results in pollution of the waters and bars leaving pet waste, garbage or refuse anywhere in the park and conservancy sites. Outside the parks, § 68-4, added 11-6-2019 by Ord. No. 18-05, makes it unlawful to feed a wild animal unless licensed to do so, with the exception of small seed eating birds, squirrels and chipmunks.

It names large birds such as geese and turkeys among the wild animals covered, and it bars placing out mineral blocks or salt licks unless intended for authorized domestic livestock. Fireworks are separately prohibited on park land under § 132-7B. Section 132-8 gives the Township Manager and the Manager of Parks and Recreation authority to administer the article, and the Township Police, the Manager of Parks and Recreation or an agent can end the conduct, expel the person or file a complaint with a District Magisterial Judge.