Springfield, MA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- No livestock without zoning/state authorization
- Covers
- Cattle, poultry, swine, chickens, rabbits, more
- Zoning cross-ref
- Allowed only if zoning permits
- Penalty
- $50 to $300 escalating fine
- Citation
- Springfield City Code § 110-12(D)
Summary
Springfield bars keeping livestock animals, cattle, poultry, swine, and similar farm animals, on private property unless the Springfield Zoning Ordinance or state law allows it, under City Code § 110-12(D).
No person shall keep any livestock animals on his/her property except as otherwise allowed by Springfield Zoning Ordinance or state law. An Animal Control Officer may seize and impound any animals kept in violation of this section or the Springfield Zoning Ordinance, as defined by this chapter and place it in a suitable facility.
E. Violations. Any person who keeps, feeds, or shelters an animal in violation of this section shall be subject to a fine of not more than:
(1) For the first violation: $50;
(2) For the second violation: $100; and
(3) For the third or subsequent violations: $300.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 110-12(D) prohibits keeping any livestock animal on residential property in Springfield except where the Springfield Zoning Ordinance or state law expressly allows it. The chapter's definition of 'livestock animal' at § 110-1 sweeps in cattle, horses, swine, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, and rabbits kept for meat, eggs, milk, fur, or labor rather than as pets, so backyard chickens fall under this restriction, not a separate poultry ordinance. An Animal Control Officer may seize livestock kept in violation of the section or the zoning ordinance. Violations carry the standard escalating fine: $50, $100, then $300.
Violations & Fines
Keeping unpermitted livestock draws seizure by Animal Control and fines of $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second, and $300 for a third or subsequent offense under § 110-12(E).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens in Springfield, MA?
What happens if I keep goats or a horse in my yard without approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
How Springfield compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Springfield to another location·View the Massachusetts animal ordinances overview
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