Proposed Ordinance Would Limit Livestock Ownership in Chicago

In Chicago, a proposed ordinance to amend municipal code seeks to regulate standards of care related to livestock ownership. The ordinance, sponsored by Ald. Anthony Napolitano, would require livestock owners to notify neighbors 500 feet from the residence of their animals, establish a license fee, and ban rooster ownership in the city. 

"In a city easily charmed by animal tales, including last year’s Humboldt Park alligator, there are no distinct regulations about who can own livestock and where animals can be kept. In the city of Chicago, people can legally house horses, goats, pigs, donkeys, cows and sheep. But, after allegations of animal abuse arose when a dead horse was found at an Englewood home recently, officials are making a push for tighter restrictions," reports Jessica Villagomez.

At present, only dogs, horses, and beehives require registration. The ordinance would limit the types of livestock allowed on private residential properties to six fowl and two livestock animals. Owners would be required to maintain a minimum of 4 square feet per fowl and 15 square feet per livestock animal.

Some livestock owners take issue with the 500-foot notification policy, considering the ordinance to be unnecessarily bureaucratic.