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La Porte amends bird sanctuary rules to remove Muscovy ducks from protections
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 2026-5039 to exempt feral Muscovy ducks (a nonnative species) from the city's bird sanctuary protections and allow their capture and surrender to animal control; the ordinance includes misdemeanor penalties for violations.
Council voted to amend Chapter 14 of the city code by adopting Ordinance 2026-5039, which exempts Muscovy ducks and other non-protected birds from bird sanctuary regulations and establishes procedures for removal and surrender.
Staff described Muscovy ducks as a nonnative, invasive species that compete with native habitat and have proliferated in ponds and neighborhoods. Staff told council the Texas Parks and Wildlife designation and federal rules permit removal of unprotected birds; animal-control options will include specialized traps and surrender to the shelter for euthanization when appropriate. A council member moved, the motion was seconded, and the ordinance passed by voice vote. The ordinance carries misdemeanor penalties (fines up to $500) for violations.
