Aurora, IL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

No person shall own, keep or harbor within the city any dangerous animal, bees, or farm animal and each day such animal is kept in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense. It is no defense to a violation of this section that the owner or keeper of any such animal which is prohibited in this section has attempted to tame such animal. Provided, however, that in the discretion of the director, written permission may be granted upon application for a special and limited purpose to have such animals temporarily present in the city, such as for pony rides, petting zoos and similar activities. Any such animal found to be within the city may be apprehended and impounded by the director, or his or her designee, or animal control officer. The disposition of such animal covered by this section shall be in accordance with the provisions of state law. Where no state law applies, the owner or person shall have no right of redemption in such animal, and the director shall have the authority to determine placement of said animal as (s)he deems fit. Additionally, for farm-zoned property annexed into the City of Aurora, the owner(s) of the property at the time of annexation shall be allowed to maintain existing farm animals on such property until the property ceases to be used as a farm, or until residentially zoned and occupied property comes within two hundred (200) yards of any portion of the annexed property, whichever is earlier.