Springfield, OR Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

Section 5.290, inside the parks-conduct article of the public protection chapter, prohibits anyone from hunting, trapping, molesting, injuring or capturing 'any wild bird or animal in public park and recreation district facilities open to or frequented by the public, including, but not limited to, parks, roads, buildings, and parking lots.' That parks-specific ban exempts activities sponsored or authorized by a park district and is punishable as a violation with a fine up to $720.00 under Section 1.205. Section 5.464, in the dogs and other animals chapter, reaches beyond parks to cover the whole city: no person may discharge a firearm or similar device, or throw a missile, at a non-game bird with intent to injure or kill it.

Unlike the parks rule, a Section 5.464 violation is a Class C misdemeanor under Section 1.205, a higher-tier offense than a simple violation. Together the two sections give Springfield's non-game and wild bird population two layers of protection: a general parks conduct rule enforced by the Willamalane Park and Recreation District and city police, and a citywide firearm and missile prohibition enforced by animal control officers and peace officers under Section 5.474. Neither section creates a permit process or exception for bird control on private property beyond the intent element built into Section 5.464 itself.