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Newport News, VA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

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

Key Facts

Section
§ 29-39
Applies to
Parks & recreation property
Bans
Injuring/molesting birds, animals
Also bans
Harmful feeding of wildlife

Summary

Newport News bans injuring, molesting, or disturbing birds and animals, or their homes and young, anywhere on city park and recreation property, along with giving them harmful food.

No person shall injure, molest or disturb any animals or birds, their homes or their young; nor shall any person give, make suffer or attempt to give any such animal or bird any noxious, injurious or disagreeable food, article or substance.

(Ord. No. 172, § 11; Code 1961, § 26-16; Ord. No. 2909-82; Ord. No. 6977-13, § 1)

Editor's note— Formerly, § 29-37.

Cross reference— Animal and welfare ordinance, § 6-54 et seq.

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 81).

Full Breakdown

Section 29-39 protects wildlife on Newport News park and recreational property: no one may injure, molest or disturb any bird or animal, their homes, or their young, and no one may give or attempt to give a park bird or animal any noxious, injurious or disagreeable food, article or substance. The rule sits in Chapter 29's article governing park conduct, so it covers city parks, squares, and recreation grounds rather than private property citywide.

Violations & Fines

Violating Section 29-39 is a Class 4 misdemeanor under the general park-rules penalty in Section 29-21.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to disturb birds in a Newport News park?
Yes. Section 29-39 bans injuring, molesting or disturbing birds or animals, their homes, or their young, anywhere on city park and recreation property.
Can I feed the ducks in a Newport News park?
Not with harmful food. Section 29-39 specifically bans giving park birds or animals any noxious, injurious, or disagreeable food or substance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Newport News

All Newport News rules

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