Phoenix, AZ Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Offense level
- Class 1 misdemeanor
- Minimum fine
- $100
- Community service
- 8 hours minimum
- Applies to
- all City parks and preserves
- Only exception
- state-law-authorized fishing
Summary
Phoenix City Code makes it a crime to kill, harm, take, molest, or disturb any bird, or other park wildlife, inside a city park, with only a narrow exception for lawful, state-authorized fishing.
Killing, harming, taking, molesting or disturbing any animal, reptile, amphibian or bird within a park, except that fishing in a manner authorized by applicable State law is allowed.
B. A person who is convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than one hundred dollars and to perform not less than eight hours of community service under the supervision of the Department. The Court shall require the person convicted to make restitution to the City of Phoenix in the full amount of the economic loss as determined by the Court. The Court shall not suspend any part or all of the imposition or execution of any sentence required by this subsection.
C. The prohibitions of this section shall not apply to any activity performed with the authorization of the Director Department or the Director’s designees, or to any activity which is authorized by a lease with the City of Phoenix and which is performed at the direction of the lessee. (Ord. No. G-3443, § 1; Ord. No. G-3659, § 5; Ord. No. G-5144, § 2, 2008) Cross reference—Offenses against property, § 23-83 et seq. State law reference—Penalty for ordinance violations, A.R.S. §§ 9-499.01, 9-240(B)(28); criminal damage to property, A.R.S. § 13-1602.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-7524, passed June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Phoenix City Code § 24-37(A)(5), part of the "Vandalism in a park" offense, anyone who kills, harms, takes, molests, or disturbs any animal, reptile, amphibian, or bird within a city park commits a Class 1 misdemeanor. The only carve-out is fishing conducted in a manner authorized by state law. A conviction carries a fine of not less than $100, not less than eight hours of court-ordered community service supervised by the Parks and Recreation Department, and mandatory restitution to the City for the full economic loss: none of which the court may suspend. The ban covers every park, parkway, trail, playground, mountain park, open space, and preserve area the City maintains.
Violations & Fines
Killing, harming, taking, molesting or disturbing a bird (or other wildlife) in a Phoenix park is a Class 1 misdemeanor: minimum $100 fine, 8 hours community service, and full restitution, none of which a court can suspend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish in a Phoenix city park?
Does the ban cover animals other than birds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
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