Erie, PA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- City Code
- Erie Codified Ord. Art. 729 (Animals)
- Farm animals
- Prohibited citywide
- Compliance window
- 7-day warning before citation
- Enforcement
- Bureau of Police Animal Enforcement Office
Summary
The City of Erie prohibits keeping any animal usually kept as a farm animal or livestock; owners receive a seven-day warning to remove the animals or face a citation.
No person shall board, breed, house, keep or maintain any animal which is wild, dangerous, noxious or naturally inclined to do harm in any place, nor any animal usually kept as a farm animal or livestock in the City of Erie.
Full Breakdown
City of Erie Codified Ordinances Article 729 (Animals) bars residents from boarding, breeding, housing, keeping, or maintaining any animal that is wild, dangerous, noxious, or naturally inclined to do harm, as well as any animal usually kept as a farm animal or livestock within the City of Erie. The City's Bureau of Police Animal Enforcement Office confirms that all farm animals are prohibited in the City of Erie and that, on a complaint, a seven-day warning is given or sent to remove the animals, after which the owner is cited if the animals remain. This effectively prohibits chickens, roosters, goats, pigs, cattle, horses, and similar livestock from being kept on residential property inside the city limits.
Violations & Fines
If farm animals or livestock are not removed within the seven-day warning period, the owner is cited; the animals may also be seized as part of Animal Enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in Erie, PA?
What happens if I keep livestock inside Erie city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Erie
How Erie compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Erie to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview
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