West Haven, CT Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

Section 170-24 of the West Haven Code protects birds inside the parks and recreation areas of the City of West Haven. It bars any person from injuring, causing damage to or disturbing any bird, bird's nest or eggs. The same sentence extends to any animal, wild or tame, within any park or recreation area. Disturbance alone is enough under the text, which does not require that a bird be hurt. The rule is part of Article IV, Parks, of Chapter 170, Parks and Recreation Areas, and sits alongside the Department of Parks and Recreation's other park regulations.

Neighboring sections protect the surroundings. Section 170-25 bars cutting, defacing, removing or disturbing any tree, shrub, building, fence, bench or other structure, and picking, eating or removing any shrub, bush or flower. Section 170-34 requires a permit from the Board of Parks and Recreation to walk or carry a wild or nondomesticated animal, including horses, reptiles and exotic birds, on property under the Board's jurisdiction. In a park, recreation area or sports facility, a domestic animal must be restrained by a leash, chain or cord no greater than six feet in length, and during a permitted event the animal is barred altogether (§ 170-28). On a beach within the City of West Haven, domestic animals restrained by a leash, chain or cord no greater than six feet are allowed only on the paved walkways along the beaches (§ 170-15C). Section 170-11 bars placing any substance on a beach under the Board's supervision, or in the waters of Long Island Sound contiguous to it, that results or could result in pollution.

The bird rule covers parks and recreation areas. Section 170-24 is the only bird provision in the West Haven Code text reviewed for this page.