Rapid City, SD Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected
- Bird nests, birds, wild/other animals
- Prohibited acts
- Airgun/slingshot, thrown projectiles, injury
- Coverage
- Any park or public property
- Exception
- Director authorization
- Fishing
- Not prohibited if state-law compliant
- Adopted
- Ordinance 6113, 2017
Summary
Rapid City bans harming bird nests or shooting at, throwing objects at, or injuring any bird, wild creature, or other animal anywhere in a city park or on public property. The Parks and Recreation Director can authorize an exception, and lawful fishing under state law is not affected.
E. Animal protection. No person shall harm any bird nest within the limits of any park or public property, nor aim or discharge any airgun, slingshot, or other weapon, or throw any stones or other projectiles at, nor injure or attempt to injure any bird, wild creature, or other animal within any park or public property, except as authorized by the Director. This section does not prohibit fishing when done in compliance with state law.
Full Breakdown
110 'Animals' section, which also regulates dogs (leash required except in designated off-leash areas such as Braeburn Park and parts of Memorial Park East) and bars possessing a capture device for wild or domestic creatures in a park, apart from ordinary fishing gear. The bird and wildlife protection clause reaches any park or public property citywide, not just designated nature areas, and its only built-in exceptions are Director authorization and fishing done in compliance with state law. The section was adopted by Ordinance 6113 in 2017.
Violations & Fines
Harming a bird nest, discharging an airgun or slingshot at wildlife, throwing projectiles at an animal, or otherwise injuring or attempting to injure any bird, wild creature, or other animal in a Rapid City park or on public property violates § 12.24.110.E and is punishable under the general penalty provision at § 1.12.010 through the chapter penalty clause at § 12.24.200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to disturb a bird nest in a Rapid City park?
Can I use a slingshot or air rifle in a Rapid City park?
Does the Rapid City park wildlife rule affect fishing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rapid City
Compare Rapid City to another location·View the South Dakota animal ordinances overview
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