Montgomery, AL Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

Sec. 4-12, titled "Bird sanctuary established," reads in full: "The territory comprising the city is declared a bird sanctuary. " This is a citywide designation, not limited to parks or specific tracts, so the prohibition applies anywhere within Montgomery's corporate limits. The section sits immediately after Sec. 4-11's ban on possessing wild animals or wild birds, and the two work together: a resident cannot possess a wild bird without state or federal permission, and separately cannot maim, kill or injure any wild or migrating bird anywhere in the city, regardless of possession.

The provision does not carve out an exception for pest species or nuisance birds, so the blanket language governs unless state or federal wildlife law authorizes a specific removal or control action, such as a depredation permit for an agricultural or safety hazard. Both sections were last codified together by Ord. No. 15-2022 (May 3, 2022), the ordinance that restructured Chapter 4 into its current article scheme covering general provisions, administration and enforcement, rabies control, and vicious animals.