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Nashville, TN Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Covered locations
Public parks and all cemeteries
Exception
English sparrows only
Also protected
Squirrels and any other animal
Max fine
$50 per violation, per day
Geographic reach
Countywide, not just urban services district

Summary

Metro Nashville makes it unlawful to kill or attempt to kill any bird, game or nongame, except English sparrows, or squirrels in public parks and cemeteries under Metropolitan Code of Laws § 8.20.170.

It is unlawful for any person to kill or attempt to kill any bird, game or nongame (except English sparrows), squirrels or any other animal, in any of the public parks (including the Custom House Park and the Capitol Hill Park) or in any of the cemeteries, public or private.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).

Full Breakdown

Metro's code bans killing or attempting to kill any bird, game or nongame, with English sparrows the sole exception, plus squirrels or any other animal, inside public parks (the code specifically names Custom House Park and Capitol Hill Park) and any cemetery, public or private. The ban applies across the whole metropolitan government area, not just the urban services district, Chapter 8.20 was renamed off its old USD-only title in 2017. No violation-specific fine is set, so it falls under the code's general penalty: up to $50, with each day a separate offense.

Violations & Fines

Killing a protected bird or squirrel in a Metro park or cemetery is a misdemeanor code violation carrying up to a $50 fine, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I kill squirrels in a Nashville park?
No. Metro Code § 8.20.170 makes it unlawful to kill or attempt to kill squirrels, or any bird except English sparrows, in public parks and cemeteries, including Custom House Park and Capitol Hill Park.
Does this rule apply outside Metro parks?
No. Section 8.20.170 only covers public parks and public or private cemeteries. Killing wildlife elsewhere in Davidson County falls under separate state and Metro animal-control rules, not this section.

Sources & Official References

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All Nashville rules

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