Trenton, NJ Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 193-12
- Scope
- Wild birds and animals in City park areas
- Prohibited acts
- Kill, capture, disturb, frighten, or drive out
- Exception
- Action taken by direction of the City
- Max fine
- Up to $2,000 per § 1-17
Summary
Trenton bars killing, capturing, disturbing or frightening any wild bird within City park areas, and no one but the City itself may take such action, making park land an effective sanctuary for wild birds under the Parks and Recreation Areas chapter.
§ 193-12. Wild animals and birds. No person, except by direction of the City, shall kill or capture any wild animal or bird within the limits of any park area, and no person shall disturb or frighten any wild animal or bird or attempt to drive them out of such areas.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4853025; v21 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 193-12, titled "Wild animals and birds," states that no person, except by direction of the City, shall kill or capture any wild animal or bird within the limits of any park area, and no person shall disturb or frighten any wild animal or bird or attempt to drive them out of such areas. The protection is broad: it reaches not just killing or capturing but also merely disturbing or frightening a wild bird, or trying to chase it out of a park.
The only exception is action taken by direction of the City itself, meaning City-authorized wildlife management is permitted while private interference is not. This sits within Chapter 193's broader set of park-conduct rules, alongside § 193-4's ban on damaging park vegetation or equipment and § 193-11's leash requirement for dogs in park areas. The rule applies specifically to City parks and recreation areas under the Department of Recreation, Natural Resources and Culture's jurisdiction, rather than citywide on private property.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 193-12 by killing, capturing, disturbing or frightening a wild bird in a City park is punishable under § 193-17, which applies Chapter 1, Article III, General Penalty: a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days in the county jail, up to 90 days of community service, or a combination, at the Municipal Judge's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I chase geese away from a picnic area in a Trenton park?
Does Trenton's bird protection rule apply outside city parks?
Who is allowed to remove problem wildlife from a Trenton park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Trenton
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