Allegheny County, PA Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- Any bird or mammal
- Location
- Allegheny County parks only
- Exception
- Written Parks Department authorization
- Also banned
- Abandoning animals/birds in park
Summary
Molesting, trapping, hunting, capturing, killing or injuring any bird or mammal is banned in Allegheny County parks unless the Parks Department specifically authorizes it.
Animals, birds and fish.
(1) Except as specifically authorized by the Parks Department, molesting, trapping, hunting, capturing, killing or injuring any bird or mammal.
(2) Abandoning animals or birds within the park.
F. Lakes, streams and fountains.
(1) Wading, swimming or diving.
(2) Discharging of any type of waste or toxic materials into, or otherwise contaminating, any lake, stream or fountain.
G. Advertising.
(1) Posting or distributing any notice signs, advertisements or handbills.
(2) Posting regarding permitted park activities may be authorized by the Parks Department or by permit but must be removed by sunset of each day.
H. Weapons and explosives.
(1) Discharge of any firearm or weapon, including but not limited to handguns, rifles, shotguns, crossbow, bow and arrow, air rifle or pistol, any device firing a projectile by compressed gas or spring, such as paintball devices, or as otherwise specifically allowed by permit issued by the Parks Department.
(2)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4857026; v12 updated 2024-06-04; through 06-04-2024).
Full Breakdown
County park rules under Chapter 650 forbid molesting, trapping, hunting, capturing, killing or injuring any bird or mammal anywhere within a County park, and separately prohibit abandoning animals or birds in the park. The only exception is specific written authorization from the Director of the Parks Department, a posted sign from an authorized representative, or direction from a County police officer.
Violations & Fines
Violating the park prohibited-activities chapter, including the bird and mammal protections, is enforced by County police officers and can result in citation under Chapter 650.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trap or hunt animals in a County park?
What about releasing my pet in a County park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allegheny County
Compare Allegheny County to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview
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