Providence, RI Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- § 18-9, Providence Code of Ordinances
- Scope
- Waters of any city park
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine or 30 days jail
- Reward for tips
- Up to $250 under § 18-19
- Enforced by
- Board of park commissioners
Summary
Providence's park code bars anyone from bathing, fishing, or disturbing fish, birds, waterfowl, or other animals in park waters, giving city birds a direct legal shield inside park boundaries.
No person shall bathe or fish in, nor go into, nor send any animal into, any of the waters of any park, nor disturb any of the fish, birds, waterfowl or animals in any park, nor throw or place any article or thing in said waters; provided however, that fishing in any such waters from boats owned by the city may be allowed by the board of park commissioners at such time and under such regulations and upon payment of such fees as said commissioners may from time to time prescribe and determine.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 7).
Full Breakdown
Section 18-9 of the Providence Code makes it unlawful to disturb any fish, birds, waterfowl, or animals in the waters of a city park, or to bathe, fish, or send an animal into those waters without park board permission. The city backs this up with real teeth: § 18-19 lets the mayor post up to a $250 reward for tips that lead to convicting anyone who willfully injures or destroys park wildlife, including birds. Violations of § 18-9 itself carry the Code's general penalty under § 1-10, a fine up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, and restitution up to $2,500 for property damage.
Violations & Fines
Fine of $1 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, and restitution up to $2,500 under the Code's general penalty section, § 1-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed ducks or birds at Roger Williams Park?
What counts as disturbing park wildlife under this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Providence
Compare Providence to another location·View the Rhode Island animal ordinances overview
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Bird Protection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle bird protection.