Minnetonka, MN Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

Minnetonka protects birds through its trapping ordinance rather than a bird-specific chapter. In Section 1035.010 of the Minnetonka City Code, the Minnetonka City Council finds it is in the public interest and for a public purpose to protect wild animals and that trapping creates a threat to the public health and safety. A trap means any mechanical device, snare, artificial light, net, bird line, ferret, hawk, vehicle or contrivance used to trap, catch, snare, kill or otherwise restrain the free movement of any animal, wildlife or bird.

Trapping means setting, laying or otherwise using a trap for those purposes on animals, wildlife or birds. Paragraph 3 then states that trapping anywhere in the city of Minnetonka is prohibited. Three exceptions apply under paragraph 4. People can use a trap on their own private property to prevent an unsafe condition or the waste or destruction of their property when in compliance with state law. Representatives of the city, county or state can use a trap for humane or other authorized purposes in the course of their duties.

Scientists can trap to identify animals, wildlife or birds and then return them to their natural environment. Two neighboring provisions reinforce the protection. Section 1035.005 states that a person must not hunt game at any time within the city limits. In the park rules, Section 1135.020(2) states that wild animals including birds may not be fed, except pursuant to a city sponsored program, and Section 1135.020(3) bars killing, trapping, pursuing, catching, or removing wild animals except when necessary to protect the immediate safety of a person or domestic animal.