Suffolk County, NY Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Suffolk County Code § 643-4A(11)
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine per offense
- Enforced by
- Parks Dept., rangers, Sheriff's Office
- Scope
- Suffolk County parkland only
Summary
Suffolk County prohibits trapping, killing, catching, injuring, or pursuing wild birds in any county park unless the Parks Commissioner authorizes it, protecting bird life on the county's park system.
No person in a County park shall: ... Trap, kill, catch, injure or pursue any wild birds or wild animals except as authorized by the Commissioner.
Full Breakdown
Suffolk County Code § 643-4A(11) bars anyone in a county park from trapping, killing, catching, injuring, or pursuing any wild bird or wild animal unless the Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation authorizes it. The rule sits inside the county's broader park conduct code, alongside bans on harming trees, plants, and wildlife generally, and applies only on county parkland, not town or village parks, and not private property. Suffolk County Parks Department personnel, rangers and the Sheriff's Office enforce it.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 643-4A(11) draws a fine up to $500 per offense under § 643-9A, plus possible suspension or revocation of any park permit held by the violator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule protect birds outside county parks?
Can trapping or removing a bird ever be authorized?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Suffolk County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Suffolk County to another location·View the New York animal ordinances overview
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