Scranton, PA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Scranton's Chapter 169 (Animals) is published on eCode360 at https://ecode360.com/11604508 and sits within the City Code adopted under the Third Class City Code and Scranton's Home Rule Charter. Chapter 169 prohibits horses, mares, geldings, mules, oxen, cows, bulls, goats, sheep, hogs and cats from running at large upon the streets, avenues, courts, public grounds or unenclosed land within the City. The chapter separately authorizes the Director of the Office of Public Health to notify any person keeping chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, turkeys, pigeons or other domestic fowl confined within 15 feet of any dwelling that the birds must be removed within 48 hours of notice — a setback effectively impossible to satisfy on most Scranton residential lots, where homes sit on narrow parcels. The chapter also prohibits keeping any cow or bull within the City without a written permit from the Director of the Office of Public Health. Pennsylvania has not preempted municipal authority over livestock-keeping in cities; the Right to Farm Act (3 P.S. Section 951 et seq.) protects existing farm operations in agricultural zones but does not authorize new backyard livestock in Third Class Cities like Scranton. Surrounding Lackawanna County townships (Newton, Ransom, Benton, Greenfield) and rural boroughs allow small livestock by right subject to township zoning. Residents should call the Scranton Office of Economic and Community Development, Code Enforcement Division, before acquiring birds or livestock to confirm setbacks and zoning at their specific address.