How Huntington Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Huntington maintains 114 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Huntington falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Dog Leash Laws
Huntington Town Code Chapter 67 requires dogs to be leashed (max 6 feet) in all public places. Off-leash only permitted at designated off-leash dog parks. Violations enforced by Animal Control and Suffolk SPCA.
Key details: Leash Max: 6 feet. Beach Season Ban: May 1 to Sept 30. Off-Leash Area: Breezy Park. Fines: $100-$250.
First offense: $100. Subsequent offenses: up to $250. Dog-at-large plus bite can trigger AG&M 123 dangerous dog proceedings with possible destruction order.
Compared to other cities, Huntington takes a harder line on dog leash laws. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Breed Restrictions
Huntington follows NY Agriculture and Markets Law 107 which preempts breed-specific legislation. No breed bans; dangerous dogs regulated by behavior under AG&M 123. Suffolk County follows the same rule.
Key details: State Preemption: AG&M 107(5). Dangerous Dog Law: AG&M 123. Insurance Req: $100K liability. Local Breed Ban: Prohibited.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Huntington gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.
Chickens & Livestock
Backyard hens are permitted in Huntington residential zones under Chapter 198 zoning with coop setbacks. Roosters are prohibited in most residential districts due to noise nuisance provisions.
Key details: Hens Allowed: Yes (setbacks apply). Typical Limit: 6 hens. Roosters: Effectively banned. Coop Setback: 25-50 feet.
Setback violations: $250-$500 plus order to remove. Rooster noise: $250-$1,000 per offense under Ch. 141.
Wildlife Feeding
Huntington Chapter 67 and NY DEC rules prohibit feeding deer, waterfowl, and other wildlife. Deer feeding is a violation of 6 NYCRR 189 with fines up to $250. Bird feeders allowed with rodent/bear management.
Key details: Deer Feeding: Prohibited (6 NYCRR 189). Waterfowl Parks: Prohibited. Bird Feeders: Allowed (managed). Fine Range: $100-$500.
DEC deer feeding: up to $250 and/or 15 days jail. Town nuisance feeding: $100-$500.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is legal in Huntington under NY Agriculture and Markets rules. Hives must be registered with NYS Apiary Industry and kept with adequate setbacks from property lines; no specific town hive count limit.
Key details: State Authority: NY AG&M Apiary Program. Setback Practice: 10 feet. Flyway Barrier: 6-ft fence/hedge. Town Ban: None.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Pet Limits
Huntington Chapter 67 limits residences to a reasonable number of dogs and cats; kennel license required for 5 or more dogs over 4 months old. Suffolk County licensing applies.
Key details: Kennel Threshold: 5+ dogs. Dog License Age: Over 4 months. Rabies Vax: Required (PHL 2145). Licensing Office: Town Clerk.
Unlicensed kennel: $250-$1,000 per offense plus order to reduce number. Unlicensed dog: $25 first offense, escalating.
Exotic Pets
Huntington prohibits wild and exotic animals under Chapter 67. NY Environmental Conservation Law 11-0512 bans possession of big cats, bears, wolves, venomous reptiles, and primates without a DEC license.
Key details: State Law: ECL 11-0512. Ferrets: Legal in NY. Big Cats/Primates: Banned. Enforcement: DEC ECOs + SPCA.
Misdemeanor under ECL, fines up to $1,000 per animal plus seizure. Town Code violations add $250-$500 per offense.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Huntington actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.
The Bottom Line
Huntington 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 Huntington, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
All of the above reflects Huntington's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.