Animal Ordinances in Mount Vernon, NY

If you live in Mount Vernon or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Mount Vernon has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Dog Leash Laws

Mount Vernon dogs may not run at large on any street, walk or public ground; City Code § 116-1 requires a collar or harness with an ID tag and a chain or leash no longer than six feet whenever a dog is off its owner's property. Loose dogs can be seized and impounded.

Key details: Leash length limit: 6 feet. ID requirement: Name and address on collar/tag. First impoundment fee: $10. Second impoundment fee: $20 (first 24 hrs). Third+ impoundment fee: $30 plus $3/24 hrs.

Under § 116-6, a violation of the at-large requirement in § 116-1 (or the pooper-scooper nuisance rule in § 116-3) is punishable by a fine of not more than $250 per violation or imprisonment of not more than 15 days, or both. Police officers and the Dog Warden may issue appearance tickets under § 116-5, and impoundment fees apply on top of any court fine.

Exotic Pets

Mount Vernon bans keeping any wild, ferocious or dangerous species as a pet anywhere in the City, limiting such animals to a licensed research lab, a bonded commercial animal dealer or a licensed circus. Venomous snakes cannot be sold, given away or kept by anyone at all, no exceptions.

Key details: Private exotic pet ownership: Not permitted. Allowed keepers: Licensed lab, dealer, or circus only. Venomous snakes: Banned for everyone, no exception. Circus license reference: Ch. 240, Art. I. Default penalty (§ 1-4): Up to $250 or 15 days.

Because Article II sets no violation-specific fine, § 1-4 of the general Code applies: any person violating a Code provision for which no other penalty is stated is guilty of an offense punishable by a fine not exceeding $250 or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both, and a corporation may be fined up to $500, recoverable by the City in a civil action.

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

Breed Restrictions

Mount Vernon regulates dogs by behavior, not breed: a former provision naming pit bulls as inherently 'vicious' was repealed in 2001. City Code Article III now bans vicious dogs outright and requires any dangerous dog to be muzzled, restrained on a 3-foot chain and posted with a warning sign.

Key details: Breed-specific ban: Repealed 2001, none today. Restraint for dangerous dogs: Muzzle + 3-ft, 300-lb chain. Vicious dogs: Sale/possession banned outright. Registration deadline (pre-1988 dogs): 180 days. Required liability insurance: $1,000,000 minimum.

Under § 116-17, a violation of Article III is punishable by a fine not exceeding $500, with each day a violation continues counted as a separate offense. Police officers, animal control officers and City Code Enforcement Officers may issue appearance tickets under § 116-16, and an unconfined animal may be seized and impounded consistent with the state Agriculture and Markets Law.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Mount Vernon actively enforces its breed restrictions requirements.

The Bottom Line

Mount Vernon is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Mount Vernon, 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 Mount Vernon'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.