Des Plaines's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Des Plaines, Illinois, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Livestock

Des Plaines City Code prohibits keeping horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other livestock in all residential and most commercial districts. Only traditional household pets are permitted in residential zones.

Key details: Horses/Cattle: Prohibited. Goats/Sheep: Prohibited. Pigs (any size): Prohibited. Allowed: Traditional household pets. Contact: Animal Control (847) 391-5400.

Keeping prohibited livestock can result in fines of $100 to $750 per animal per day until removed. The city may seek court orders for forced removal in persistent cases.

This is one of the stricter rules in Des Plaines's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Dog Leash Laws

Des Plaines requires all dogs off the owner's property to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under the control of a competent person. Cook County requires dogs over 4 months old to be licensed and currently rabies-vaccinated.

Key details: Max Leash: 6 feet. Off-Leash: Designated areas only. Cook County License: Required over 4 months. Rabies Vaccine: Required. Contact: Animal Control (847) 391-5400.

Off-leash dog citations typically range from $50 to $200 for a first offense. Failure to clean up after a dog carries fines of $50 to $100. Dogs at large may be impounded with reclaim fees. Lack of license or rabies tag may add $50 to $150 in fines.

Wildlife Feeding

Des Plaines prohibits feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wild animals that creates a nuisance or attracts dangerous wildlife. Bird feeding is generally allowed but must not attract rodents or larger wildlife to neighboring properties.

Key details: Deer/Coyote Feeding: Prohibited. Bird Feeding: Allowed if maintained. Stray Cat Feeding: Regulated. State Law: IDNR also regulates. Contact: Animal Control (847) 391-5400.

Wildlife feeding violations typically result in citations of $75 to $500 per offense, with daily fines for ongoing violations. Property owners may be required to remove feeders or take corrective action.

Chickens & Livestock

Des Plaines City Code Title 4 (Animal Regulations) prohibits keeping chickens, roosters, ducks, goats, pigs, and other livestock or fowl on residential property within city limits. Only common household pets are permitted in residential zones.

Key details: Chickens: Prohibited. Roosters: Prohibited. Goats/Pigs: Prohibited. Allowed: Dogs, cats, household pets. Contact: Animal Control (847) 391-5400.

Keeping prohibited livestock or poultry can result in citations of $100 to $500 per animal per day until removed, plus potential nuisance abatement orders.

This is one of the stricter rules in Des Plaines's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Exotic Pets

Des Plaines MC §6-1-1 restricts farm animals (livestock) in city limits. Illinois has no statewide exotic pet preemption. Dangerous exotic animals effectively prohibited under state and local law.

Key details: Code: Des Plaines MC §6-1-1. Farm Animals: Prohibited in city limits. Exception: Up to 6 hens with permit only. State Law: No IL statewide exotic pet preemption. Contact: Cook County Animal Control: 708-974-6140.

Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $500 to $5,000. Criminal charges possible for dangerous species. Owner liable for damages from escaped animals.

Beekeeping

No specific Des Plaines beekeeping ordinance identified. Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act (510 ILCS 20) requires state registration. Contact Des Plaines Planning at 847-391-5380 for zoning guidance.

Key details: State Law: 510 ILCS 20 — Bees and Apiaries Act. State Registration: Required with IL State Apiarist. Local Status: No specific ordinance — check zoning. Contact: Community & Economic Dev: 847-391-5380.

Failure to register beehives with the state may result in penalties under the Bees and Apiaries Act. Local nuisance complaints could also apply if bees cause disturbances.

Breed Restrictions

Illinois has no statewide breed ban preemption. Some Illinois cities ban or restrict specific breeds. Check Des Plaines municipal code for local breed rules.

Key details: State Preemption: None in Illinois. Local Bans: Some cities have them. State Law: IL Animal Control Act. HOA: May have breed rules.

Restricted breed violations vary by city: fines, mandatory muzzling, removal orders. Dangerous dog violations per IL Animal Control Act.

The Bottom Line

Des Plaines is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Des Plaines, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Des Plaines's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.