Tinley Park's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Tinley Park, 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

Tinley Park prohibits keeping livestock — including pigs, goats, sheep, horses, and cattle — on residential properties. Limited backyard chickens may be allowed with permits in certain zones, subject to coop, setback, and rooster restrictions.

Key details: Pigs/Goats/Cattle: Prohibited residential. Chickens: Limited, permit required. Roosters: Typically prohibited. Horses: Prohibited residential. Contact: Community Dev (708) 444-5100.

Keeping prohibited livestock results in orders to remove animals within specified timeframes, typically 10 to 30 days. Fines start at $100 per animal per day until compliance. Nuisance conditions can trigger additional property maintenance citations.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Tinley Park actively enforces its livestock requirements.

Wildlife Feeding

Tinley Park prohibits feeding wild animals such as deer, raccoons, coyotes, geese, and feral cats in a manner that attracts nuisance wildlife. Bird feeders are generally allowed if maintained. Feeding waterfowl in public parks is specifically restricted.

Key details: Deer/Coyote Feeding: Prohibited. Waterfowl in Parks: Restricted. Bird Feeders: Allowed, maintained. Feral Cat Feeding: Regulated. Contact: Community Dev (708) 444-5100.

Wildlife feeding violations typically result in warning letters followed by fines of $50 to $500. Continued violations creating nuisance conditions can trigger daily accruing fines. Property owners may be required to remove feeders and stored feed.

Dog Leash Laws

Tinley Park requires all dogs to be leashed on a lead no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property. Dogs must be licensed through Cook County or Will County, and owners must clean up pet waste. Violations result in fines starting around $50.

Key details: Leash Required: Yes, off-property. Max Leash Length: 6 feet. License: Required via county. Waste Cleanup: Mandatory. Contact: Police (708) 444-5300.

Leash law violations typically result in fines of $50 to $200 per offense. Failure to clean up waste carries similar fines. Unlicensed dogs face county enforcement action. Dog bite incidents can lead to vicious dog designation with stricter requirements and civil liability.

Compared to other cities, Tinley Park takes a harder line on dog leash laws. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Exotic Pets

Tinley Park prohibits keeping exotic, wild, or dangerous animals as pets in residential areas. Illinois' Dangerous Animals Act (720 ILCS 585) prohibits private ownership of big cats, primates, and venomous reptiles. Most common pets are allowed.

Key details: Big Cats/Primates: Prohibited. Venomous Reptiles: Prohibited. Ferrets: Legal in Illinois. Common Pets: Allowed. Contact: Police (708) 444-5300.

Possession of prohibited exotic animals can result in immediate confiscation, fines of $500 to $2,500 per animal, and potential criminal charges under state law. Owners are responsible for all costs of seizure, housing, and relocation of the animal.

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

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is prohibited in Tinley Park under Section 91.14. It is unlawful to keep or harbor bees, wasps, hornets, or similar insects within the Village. This prohibition was most recently amended by Ordinance 2024-O-060.

Key details: Code Section: Section 91.14. Beekeeping: Prohibited. Latest Amendment: Ord. 2024-O-060. Max Fine: $750 per offense.

Keeping bees in violation of Section 91.14 is subject to fines up to $750 per offense under Section 10.99. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Tinley Park actively enforces its beekeeping requirements.

Chickens & Livestock

Tinley Park allows up to 4 hens with a poultry license under Sections 91.40-91.43. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must be under 24 sq ft, in the rear yard, at least 75 feet from homes, schools, and streets. Lots must be at least 7,500 sq ft.

Key details: Code Sections: Sections 91.40-91.43. Max Hens: 4 (roosters prohibited). Min Lot Size: 7,500 sq ft. Coop Setback: 75 ft from homes/schools. License Fee: ~$120 ($85 + $35).

Keeping poultry without a license or violating coop requirements is subject to fines of $50 to $750 per day.

Breed Restrictions

Tinley Park addresses dangerous and vicious dogs under Section 91.05 and Illinois state law (510 ILCS 5/). Illinois prohibits breed-specific legislation. Vicious dogs must be securely enclosed and muzzled when outside.

Key details: Code Section: Section 91.05. Breed-Specific Ban: Prohibited by state law. Vicious Dog Leash: Max 6 feet, muzzled. Dangerous Dog Fine: $50 public safety.

Owners of dangerous dogs face a $50 public safety fine, mandatory spay/neuter, and microchipping under state law. Vicious dog violations carry enhanced penalties including potential euthanasia orders.

The Bottom Line

Tinley Park is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Tinley Park, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Tinley Park's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.