Palm Desert, CA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected
- Any animal or bird, plus eggs and young of birds
- Banned acts
- Hunt, frighten, chase, snare, catch, injure, destroy, disturb
- Where it applies
- Within any public park or recreation area of Palm Desert
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 11.01.080(U)
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under Chapter 1.12; fine up to $1,000
Summary
In the City of Palm Desert, California, no one can hunt, frighten, chase, trap, injure or destroy any animal or bird in a public park or recreation area, or disturb the young or eggs of a bird. The rule is Municipal Code § 11.01.080(U) and is enforced as a misdemeanor.
Within the limits of any public park or recreation area of the city, no person shall: ... U. Hunt, frighten, chase, set snare for, catch, injure or destroy any animal or bird, or destroy, remove or disturb any of the young or eggs of same, or injure or maltreat any domestic or other animal;
Full Breakdown
Palm Desert's bird protection rule is a park rule. Section 11.01.080 opens with "Within the limits of any public park or recreation area of the city, no person shall," and subsection (U) lists the forbidden acts: hunt, frighten, chase, set snare for, catch, injure or destroy any animal or bird, destroy, remove or disturb any of the young or eggs of same, or injure or maltreat any domestic or other animal. The verbs cover more than killing. Frightening or chasing a bird, and moving or disturbing a nest's eggs or young, are each separate violations.
The reach of the rule is set by the definition of "park" in § 11.01.010: any park, playground, athletic facilities, recreation area or center, or other area or structure maintained and operated by the city itself or in conjunction with another governmental or private entity. Under § 11.01.040, the chapter applies to the grounds, roadways, avenues and buildings of those facilities under the control of the director of public works. Private yards and streets outside parks are not covered by this section, and this page does not quote any other Palm Desert bird provision.
Sibling rules in the same section reinforce the protection. Subsection (Z) bars feeding or leaving food for wild or domestic birds and fowl, subsection (D) bars cutting, breaking or disturbing any tree, shrub or plant, and subsection (B) bars carrying or discharging a firearm, air gun, slingshot or other device capable of discharging a dangerous missile, with exceptions for peace officers and lawfully licensed concealed carriers. Subsection (V) limits fishing to places designated for it. The exemption in § 11.01.040(B) covers public officers, employees and peace officers acting within the scope of public business.
Enforcement is by the city manager, the director of public works, their designees and park attendants, who can eject and expel violators under § 11.01.050, and by peace officers, who can eject instead of arresting or citing. An ejected person cannot return to the same park that calendar day without permission.
Violations & Fines
Section 11.01.230 makes any violation of Chapter 11.01 unlawful and a misdemeanor in accordance with Chapter 1.12. Under § 1.12.010 the fine does not exceed one thousand dollars and imprisonment does not exceed six months, or both, though violations are prosecuted as infractions unless the city attorney moves to proceed as a misdemeanor. Each day is a separate offense under § 1.12.040, and officers can eject offenders under § 11.01.050.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Palm Desert protect bird nests and eggs?
Is chasing or scaring birds in a park against the rules?
Is it illegal to feed birds in Palm Desert parks?
Who enforces the bird rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Desert
California rules heatmap·Compare Palm Desert to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Bird Protection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle bird protection.