Animal Ordinances in Cheyenne, WY: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Cheyenne or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Cheyenne has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Chickens & Livestock

Cheyenne Title 4 allows limited backyard chickens on residential lots with a permit, while roosters and most livestock are restricted to agricultural-zoned parcels under the Unified Development Code.

Key details: Hens allowed: Yes, with permit. Roosters: Generally prohibited. Larger livestock: AG zones only. Code reference: Title 4 and UDC.

Unpermitted coops or unlawful livestock can trigger written notice, fines starting around fifty dollars per day until compliance, and removal orders enforced through municipal court if neighbors complain repeatedly.

Breed Restrictions

Cheyenne does not impose a blanket pit bull ban but uses dangerous-dog procedures under Title 4 with mandatory secure confinement, liability insurance, and registration once a dog is declared dangerous.

Key details: Breed ban: No blanket ban. Framework: Behavior-based. Insurance required: After dangerous declaration. Enforcement: Animal Control hearing.

Failure to confine, muzzle, insure, or register a declared dangerous dog can lead to fines exceeding several hundred dollars per incident, misdemeanor charges, civil liability, and possible court-ordered euthanasia.

Dog Leash Laws

Cheyenne Title 4 requires dogs off owner property to be leashed and under control. Dogs running at large are impounded by the contracted Cheyenne Animal Shelter and the owner must pay redemption fees.

Key details: Code title: Title 4 Animals. Leash required: Yes, off-property. Impound agency: Cheyenne Animal Shelter. Voice control: Not sufficient.

First offense fines run roughly fifty to one hundred dollars plus shelter impound and boarding charges; repeat offenders face higher municipal court fines, possible misdemeanor citations, and dangerous-dog reviews.

Exotic Pets

Cheyenne Title 4 prohibits keeping most wild and exotic animals such as big cats, venomous reptiles, primates, and bears within city limits, with limited exceptions for licensed educational facilities.

Key details: Big cats: Prohibited. Wolf hybrids: Prohibited. Venomous reptiles: Prohibited. Ferrets: Generally allowed.

Keeping a prohibited exotic typically triggers immediate seizure by Animal Control, misdemeanor charges, fines that can exceed seven hundred fifty dollars, and possible state wildlife violations carried by Game and Fish.

Compared to other cities, Cheyenne takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Wildlife Feeding

Cheyenne discourages and may prohibit intentional feeding of deer, foxes, raccoons, and other wildlife where it creates a nuisance or attracts predators, working alongside Wyoming Game and Fish habituation rules.

Key details: Deer feeding: Discouraged or prohibited. Bird feeders: Generally allowed. State agency: WY Game and Fish. Trash security: Required.

Persistent intentional feeding that causes documented nuisance can lead to written notice, daily fines through municipal court, and possible state-level citations from Wyoming Game and Fish for habituating big game.

The Bottom Line

Cheyenne's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cheyenne is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Cheyenne's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.