Chicago, IL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- MCC § 7-12-300
- Food/slaughter keeping
- Banned without a license
- Eggs and milk
- Exempt as byproducts
- Fine range
- $50–$1,000 per animal
- Enforcement
- Animal Care and Control, police
Summary
Chicago bars owning or keeping any animal for food or slaughter at home; only eggs and milk are exempt.
No person shall own, keep or otherwise possess for their own food purposes, or slaughter, any animal; provided, however, that this prohibition shall not apply to edible byproducts, such as eggs or milk, produced by an animal. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to prohibit any properly licensed establishment from slaughtering for food purposes any animals which are specifically raised for food purposes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-74: Current through Council Journal of June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Chicago Municipal Code § 7-12-300 makes it unlawful to own, keep, or otherwise possess any animal for your own food purposes, or to slaughter one, unless the slaughtering happens at a properly licensed food establishment. That closes off backyard livestock like meat chickens, goats, or hogs raised for the table: the only carve-out is for edible byproducts such as eggs or milk from an animal you keep. Chicago Animal Care and Control officers, police, and licensed humane investigators can seize any animal held in violation, and can enter business premises during business hours or a home with a warrant or the owner's consent.
Violations & Fines
Fine of $50 to $1,000 per animal; each animal kept, owned, or slaughtered in violation is a separate offense, plus confiscation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in Chicago for eggs?
Can I keep a goat or hog for meat at home?
What happens if I violate this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chicago
How Chicago compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Chicago to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle chickens & livestock.