Animal Ordinances in McKeesport, PA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in McKeesport or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. McKeesport has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Wildlife Feeding

PA Game Commission prohibits feeding deer, elk, and bears under 58 Pa. Code 137.33 and 141.4. Feeding that creates nuisance conditions enforceable as nuisance in McKeesport.

Key details: Deer Feeding: Prohibited statewide. Bear Feeding: Prohibited. Bird Feeders: Generally allowed. Agency: PA Game Commission. Statute: 58 Pa. Code §137.33.

Deer/elk feeding: PA Game Commission citation, fines starting at $75 plus costs; repeat violations up to $1,500. Bear feeding: separate summary offense. Nuisance from feeding: McKeesport code citation up to $300.

Pet Limits

McKeesport follows common PA municipal pet limits (typically 3 to 5 dogs per household); kennel license required above threshold under PA Dog Law.

Key details: Typical Limit: 3 to 5 dogs. Kennel License: Required for 26+ dogs/year. Kennel Issuer: PA Dept of Agriculture. License Authority: Allegheny County Treasurer. Cats: Usually unregulated.

Unlicensed kennel: summary offense up to $300/day under PA Dog Law. Exceeding McKeesport pet limit: code violation typically $100-$500 per dog. Unvaccinated dog: up to $300 fine plus possible quarantine costs.

Chickens & Livestock

Backyard chickens subject to McKeesport zoning; typically allowed in lower-density residential with coop setbacks. Roosters often prohibited due to noise. No state preemption.

Key details: State Law: None preempting locals. Roosters: Often banned. Coop Setback: 10-25 ft typical. Flock Size: 4-6 hens typical. Slaughter: Prohibited on residential.

Keeping chickens in non-permitted zone: zoning violation $100-$500/day. Rooster in city: nuisance citation up to $300 plus required removal. Unclean coop attracting pests: property maintenance fine.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping legal under PA Bee Law 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21 with annual registration through PA Department of Agriculture. McKeesport zoning may restrict hive placement in dense residential areas.

Key details: State Law: 3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 21. Registration: PDA — annual. Fee: $10 per 2-year cycle. Setback: 10 ft from lot line (best practice). Barrier: 6 ft if entrance faces neighbor.

Unregistered apiary: $25-$100 fine per PA Bee Law §2118, plus mandatory registration. Nuisance hive (aggressive bees, unmanaged swarming): up to $1,000 fine plus possible injunction requiring removal. Stolen/damaged hive of another: third-degree misdemeanor under §2117.

Breed Restrictions

McKeesport has no breed-specific legislation. PA Dog Law uses behavior-based dangerous dog provisions at 3 P.S. 459-502-A, not breed bans.

Key details: Breed Ban: None. Approach: Behavior-based. Dangerous Dog: 3 P.S. 459-502-A. Insurance: Required if declared.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

The rules around breed restrictions in McKeesport lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Dog Leash Laws

PA Dog Law 3 P.S. 459-305 requires all dogs be confined, firmly secured, or under reasonable control at all times. McKeesport enforces through police and county animal control.

Key details: State Law: 3 P.S. 459-305. License Fee: 6.70 or 8.70 dollars. Issuer: Allegheny County Treasurer. Fine: Summary offense.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Exotic Pets

McKeesport has not enacted a city-specific exotic-pets ordinance distinguishing emus or other ratites. Possession of emus and other exotic wildlife in McKeesport is therefore governed by Pennsylvania state law: 58 Pa. Code Subchapter N (Exotic Wildlife Possession) and the Pennsylvania Game Commission permit program. Emus are classified as 'medium-sized' exotics under PA regulations and require a 500-square-foot paddock, with a 25% increase for each additional animal.

Key details: Local Ordinance: No McKeesport-specific exotic pets ordinance. State Law: 58 Pa. Code Subchapter N; 34 Pa.C.S. §2964. Emu Classification: Medium-sized exotic. Required Paddock: 500 sq ft (+25% per additional). Permit Authority: PA Game Commission (717-783-8164).

Possession of exotic wildlife without a PGC permit is a violation of 34 Pa.C.S. §2964 and 58 Pa. Code §147 — typically a summary or misdemeanor offense punishable by fines of $200 to $1,500 plus possible confiscation of the animal. McKeesport may also cite zoning violations (typically $300-$1,000) if the animal is kept in a district where livestock is not a permitted use.

The Bottom Line

McKeesport'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 McKeesport is broadly strict or permissive.

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