Tucson, AZ Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Running at large
- Unlawful citywide, Tucson Code § 4-21
- Corral/barn setback from dwelling
- 20 feet minimum, § 4-27
- Miniature pig limit
- 3 per household, under 23 inches, § 4-26
- Full-size hogs/pigs
- Prohibited citywide, § 4-26(1)
- Enforcement
- Peace officers or county animal control, § 4-1
- Default penalty
- Up to $2,500 fine / 6 months jail, § 1-8
Summary
Tucson bars horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, goats and other large animals from running loose or grazing in the city, and keeps corrals and barns at least 20 feet from any dwelling. Backyard pigs are banned except up to three registered miniature pigs under 23 inches tall.
Sec. 4-21. Running at large prohibited. It shall be unlawful for the owner or person having the control and custody of any horse, colt, mule, donkey, burro, ox, bull, cow, calf, hog, pig, sheep, goat or other large or dangerous animals to permit the same to run at large within the city. ... Sec. 4-26(1). Except as otherwise provided in this Code and in subsection (b) below, it shall be unlawful for any person to keep, raise or feed any pig or hog within the city limits. ... (2) No more than three (3) miniature pigs are allowed per household. ... Sec. 4-27. Proximity of corrals, barns, etc., to dwellings. Except as otherwise provided, it shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain within twenty (20) feet of the dwelling house of any person, within the city, any corral, barn, shed or other structure for the purpose of housing, keeping or caring for any horse, mule, cow or goat.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-150: Current through June 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
" Animals caught running loose or grazing in violation are impounded under § 4-23, with disposal handled under state law. A narrow carve-out in § 4-24 exempts land annexed after December 1, 2000 that is state trust land or carries an open-range land patent. For residential lots specifically, § 4-27 requires that any corral, barn, shed or other structure used to house or care for a horse, mule, cow or goat sit no closer than 20 feet to a dwelling house. Hog and pig keeping is separately banned by § 4-26, which allows an exception only for registered purebred miniature Vietnamese potbelly, Asian-shar pei, Chinese potbelly, or similarly registered miniature pigs, capped at three per household and no taller than 23 inches at the shoulder at normal stance.
Manure and animal-waste accumulation tied to these animals is governed separately under § 4-28, requiring a fly-proof receptacle emptied at least twice weekly. Enforcement of chapter 4 falls to any peace officer or county animal control officer under § 4-1, who may issue citations directly.
Violations & Fines
Running at large, illegal grazing, an undersized corral setback, or keeping more than three miniature pigs (or any full-size hog) are Tucson Code violations enforceable by police or county animal control officers under § 4-1. Where chapter 4 does not set its own penalty, the general penalty at § 1-8 applies: a fine up to $2,500, up to six months imprisonment, up to 36 months probation, or a combination, at the city magistrate's discretion, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse or cow in Tucson city limits?
Are backyard pigs legal in Tucson?
How close to my house can a neighbor keep a horse corral?
Who enforces Tucson's livestock rules and what's the penalty?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tucson
How Tucson compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Tucson to another location·View the Arizona animal ordinances overview
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