Paterson, NJ Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited
- feeding creating rodent/health hazard
- Allowed
- ordinary feeding, no hazard
- Pigeons
- keeping permitted in proper shelter
- Max fine
- $1,000
Summary
Paterson bars littering private grounds with bird feed that creates a rodent or health hazard, while still allowing ordinary feeding and the keeping of domestic pigeons.
The littering of private grounds for the purpose of feeding free and wild birds or the placing or causing to be placed or any food designed or intended for the purpose of feeding such birds in such a manner and in such quantity so as to create a hazard of rodent infestation so as to create any health hazard by so doing shall be prohibited.
B. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent or prohibit the keeping of domestic pigeons in a place provided for their shelter or to prevent or prohibit the feeding of some birds or other varieties of birds not constituting a health hazard.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 121's fowl article prohibits littering private grounds with food meant to feed free and wild birds when it's placed in a manner or quantity that creates a hazard of rodent infestation or another health hazard. A companion subsection makes clear the ban does not reach ordinary feeding of birds that isn't a hazard, nor the keeping of domestic pigeons in a proper shelter. Enforcement runs through Health Division inspectors and the Chapter 121, Article IV general penalty clause.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 90 days, or community service up to 90 days, or a combination, with each day of violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is feeding birds illegal in Paterson?
Can I keep pigeons in Paterson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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