Chicopee, MA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

In the City of Chicopee, Massachusetts, § 144-11 states that no swine shall be kept or maintained within the limits of the City, except for the purpose of immediate slaughtering. Section 144-12 says no fowl shall be kept or maintained within the limits of the City except where allowed by rules and regulations promulgated by the Board of Health, so a backyard flock depends on Board of Health regulations rather than a number printed in the ordinance.

Loose and roaming livestock are covered next. Section 144-13 bars anyone from permitting any sheep, goat, swine, mule, ass, horse or meat cattle to go at-large or depasture in any street, lane or alley or on any common in the City. Section 144-14 keeps goats, sheep, swine, horses, mules, oxen and cows off sidewalks except to cross to or from an enclosure, § 144-15 bars horses, cows, swine, goats or other grazing animals from going at-large in any street, and § 144-16 bars tying a horse or other animal to a tree, lamppost or hydrant on City property.

Horses and ponies are a zoning matter. Under § 275-46, the City Council can grant a special permit for keeping horses and ponies. The minimum acreage for not more than one equine or stable is 1 1/2 acres, with one additional equine permitted for each 10,890 square feet (1/4 acre), and foals under six months are not counted. A stable must sit not less than 100 feet from any street line, 30 feet from any side lot line and 25 feet from a rear lot line, with a minimum distance of 60 feet from any dwelling. The corral or stable area must be at least 5,000 square feet with fences adequate to contain the animals, the grounds must be properly drained and reasonably free from excessive odor, dust or mud, and maintenance must conform to Board of Health and state health regulations.