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New York, NY Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Hens
Legal: no permit, no limit
Roosters
Banned citywide (§161.19)
Ducks, geese, turkeys
Prohibited (§161.19)
Livestock (pigs, goats)
Banned (§161.01)
Enforcer
NYC DOHMH

Summary

New York City lets residents keep female chickens (hens) with no permit and no limit on the flock, but Health Code §161.19 flatly bars roosters, ducks, geese, and turkeys, and §161.01 prohibits livestock such as pigs, goats, sheep, and cattle.

§161.19 Keeping of livestock, live poultry and rabbits. (a) No person shall keep a live rooster, duck, goose or turkey in the City of New York except (1) in a slaughterhouse authorized by federal or state law that is subject to inspection by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or the United States Department of Agriculture, or (2) as authorized by §161.01 (a) of this Article. ... (c) ... Coops or runways of live rabbit and poultry markets shall be located at least 25 feet away from any building.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Health Code §161.19(a) bars keeping a live rooster, duck, goose, or turkey anywhere in the five boroughs except in a licensed, inspected slaughterhouse. Hens are not on that list, so backyard hens are legal by-right, no permit and no cap on the number, as long as they create no nuisance. Section 161.01(15) separately prohibits even-toed ungulates, including sheep, pigs, pot-bellied pigs, goats, and cattle. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene enforces these rules and can seize prohibited fowl. Live rabbit and poultry markets must sit at least 25 feet from any building.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a rooster, duck, goose, turkey, or banned livestock draws a DOHMH violation and seizure of the animal; hens that produce odor, noise, or filth become an actionable animal nuisance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep backyard chickens in New York City?
Yes. Female chickens (hens) are legal in all five boroughs with no permit and no limit on the number, provided they create no nuisance.
Are roosters legal in NYC?
No. Health Code §161.19 bars keeping a live rooster, duck, goose, or turkey citywide, except in a licensed, inspected slaughterhouse.
Can I keep goats or pigs in NYC?
No. Health Code §161.01(15) prohibits sheep, pigs, pot-bellied pigs, goats, and cattle as unlawful animals in the city.

Sources & Official References

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All New York rules

How New York compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·New York rules heatmap·Compare New York to another location·View the New York animal ordinances overview

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