Reading's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Reading, Pennsylvania, there are 4 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.

Breed Restrictions

Reading's Animal Control Officer or police can formally declare a dog aggressive or an animal vicious after a complaint, triggering mandatory registration, a permit, a visible warning sign, and a distinctive tag under Chapter 141.

Key details: Who decides: Animal Control Officer or Police. Appeal window: 14 days to Animal Control Board. Fine range: $500 to $1,000 plus costs. Required proof: Current rabies shot, microchip, license.

Owning an aggressive dog or vicious animal without the required permit draws a fine of $500 to $1,000 plus costs; violations tied to a declared aggressive dog carry the same $500-$1,000 range under § 141-225(C).

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

Chickens & Livestock

Reading's zoning code excludes livestock -- including chickens, other poultry, and fowl -- from the definition of household pets and directs owners to the City's animal-control chapter for permitting.

Key details: Zoning status: Excluded from 'pets' definition. Permit issuer: Animal Control Board. Examples named: Chickens, poultry, horses, cows, goats. Inspection covers: Odor, noise, sanitation, animal health. Key sections: § 600-2202 and § 141-215.

Keeping chickens, poultry, or other livestock without the Animal Control Board permit required by § 141-215 violates the animal-control chapter and draws its standard fine: $300 to $1,000 plus costs, more for repeats.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Reading actively enforces its chickens & livestock requirements.

Pet Limits

Reading caps households at six dogs, six cats, or a combination of six before requiring City registration and a permit for animals over three months old.

Key details: Free limit: Up to six dogs/cats, no permit. Above limit: Registration plus permit required. Cost: Free; separate City fee applies. Permit valid for: Up to three years. Exempt: Kennels, pet shops, vet shelters.

Keeping more than six dogs, cats, or a combination without registering and obtaining a permit violates § 141-214 and subjects the owner to the chapter's general penalty: $300 to $1,000 plus costs.

Dog Leash Laws

Reading requires every dog in a street, sidewalk, park, or other public space to be leashed or chained, or heeled and muzzled; owners face fines up to $1,000 per violation.

Key details: Governing section: § 141-209(B). Where leash required: Streets, sidewalks, parks, public spaces. Alternative to leash: At heel and securely muzzled. First-offense fine: $300 to $1,000 plus costs. Repeat-offense fine: $1,000 flat, plus costs.

Violating the leash/restraint rule is punishable by a $300 to $1,000 fine plus costs per offense, rising to $1,000 flat for each subsequent violation, under § 141-225.

The Bottom Line

Reading is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Reading, 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 Reading'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.