St. Louis, MO Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Large farm animals
- cattle, sheep, goat, swine: banned
- Also banned
- roosters, Africanized bees, Asian Carp
- Pig exception
- 1 pot-bellied pig per parcel
- Fine
- $100–$500, up to 90 days jail
- Enforcer
- Health Commissioner / Police
Summary
St. Louis bans keeping cattle, sheep, goats, hogs and roosters anywhere in the city, treating it as a public nuisance; one neutered or spayed Vietnamese pot-bellied pig per parcel is the sole exception.
No person shall raise or keep within the City of St. Louis any roosters, Africanized honey bees, Asian Carp or large farm animals. ... The raising of such animals is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the above-specified animals may be raised or kept within biological laboratories, hospitals, slaughterhouses, stockyards, zoological gardens, educational agricultural operations or an itinerant or temporary show.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 10.20.015.A prohibits raising or keeping any "large farm animal", defined at § 10.20.010.K as cattle, sheep, goat or swine, except Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, anywhere within city limits, along with roosters, Africanized honey bees and Asian Carp. The raising of these animals is declared a public nuisance outright, not merely restricted. The only carve-outs are biological laboratories, hospitals, slaughterhouses, stockyards, zoological gardens, educational agricultural operations and itinerant or temporary shows. A resident may keep exactly one pot-bellied pig per parcel under § 10.20.015.B if it is neutered by 4 weeks (males) or spayed by 120 days (females), proven purebred, and licensed like a dog once past 120 days. Enforcement runs through the Health Commissioner and Police Department.
Violations & Fines
Violating this part is punishable by a fine of $100 to $500, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, per § 10.20.020; an unpermitted or overdue pot-bellied pig can also simply be ordered removed within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in St. Louis?
Can I keep a pet pig in St. Louis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
How St. Louis compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare St. Louis to another location·View the Missouri animal ordinances overview
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