Int 1205-2023

Be it enacted by the Council as follows: Section 1. Chapter 1 of title 17 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 17-200.1 to read as follows: � 17-200.1 Prohibition on the release of birds for commercial purposes. a. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: Bird. The term "bird" means a bird, including but not limited to a rock dove, homing pigeon, ringneck dove, or a barbary dove, purchased or kept for the purpose of releasing such bird for a fee. Release. The term "release" means to free a bird from restraint or confinement with the intent to allow or enable such bird to fly unrestrained, temporarily or permanently, in the wild. b. No person shall keep or retain any bird for the purpose of releasing such bird for a fee and no person shall offer to release or release a bird for a fee. c. Penalty. 1. Any person convicted of any prohibited act set forth in subdivision b of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of no more than $1,000, or imprisonment for no more than 1 year, or both, for each violation. 2. The penalties provided in this section shall not preclude the imposition of any other penalty provided for by law. � 2. This local law takes effect immediately. 1 2