Pittsburgh, PA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Harming wild birds
- prohibited outright
- Capture/trapping
- restricted to authorized entities
- Native bird sales
- banned
- First-offense fine
- $100 plus costs
Summary
Pittsburgh bars anyone from harming a wild or non-domesticated bird, including pigeons, and limits capture or trapping to trained Bureau staff, vets, and permitted wildlife rehabilitators.
No person or entity shall harm any wild or non-domesticated bird. No person or entity, other than a properly qualified and trained employee of the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Animal Care and Control, licensed veterinarians, licensed wildlife rehabilitators, wildlife capture and transportation permittees, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission shall capture or trap any wild or non-domesticated bird.
Full Breakdown
City Code § 636.06 makes it unlawful for any person or entity to harm a wild or non-domesticated bird, a category that expressly includes pigeons. Only the Bureau of Animal Care & Control, licensed veterinarians, licensed wildlife rehabilitators, wildlife capture and transportation permittees, and the PA Game Commission may capture or trap one, and only when it is injured or trapped inside a building. Selling a bird native or indigenous to Pennsylvania is banned outright. A rescuer transporting an injured bird to an approved entity is exempt.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 636's general penalty applies: a $100 fine plus costs for a first offense, $300 plus costs for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trap a pigeon myself in Pittsburgh?
What if I find an injured wild bird?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview
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