How Yonkers Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Yonkers maintains 114 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Yonkers falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Chickens & Livestock

Chickens and livestock generally prohibited in Yonkers residential zones. Zoning code allows only conventional household pets in single-family and multi-family districts.

Key details: Chickens: Not permitted in residential. Livestock: Prohibited. Roosters: Noise nuisance. Indoor Pets: Rabbits, etc. allowed.

Keeping prohibited livestock: zoning violation; property maintenance citation; animal may be ordered removed. Fines typically $100-$250 per violation.

Compared to other cities, Yonkers takes a harder line on chickens & livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Wildlife Feeding

Yonkers discourages feeding wildlife; deer, raccoon, and bird feeding that creates nuisance or attracts rodents can trigger property maintenance enforcement.

Key details: Specific Ordinance: No. Nuisance: Enforced via property code. Deer Feeding: DEC discourages. Bird Feeders: Allowed if maintained.

Property maintenance violations: notice of violation, compliance deadline, fines $100-$500 for continuing nuisance.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping allowed under NY Ag & Markets Article 15 with annual state registration. Yonkers zoning limits hives in dense residential districts; setbacks apply.

Key details: State Registration: Annual NYS Ag & Markets. Local Code: No specific ordinance. Zoning: Nuisance standards apply. Setbacks: Recommended from lot lines.

Nuisance complaints may trigger property maintenance enforcement. Unregistered bees: state violation with civil penalties.

Dog Leash Laws

Yonkers Code Chapter 15 (Dogs) requires dogs to be leashed on public property. NY Ag & Markets Law requires annual licensing and rabies vaccination statewide.

Key details: Leash: Required on public property. License: Annual, city clerk. Rabies: Vaccination required. State Law: NY Ag & Markets §109.

Leash violations: fines typically $25-$100 first offense, escalating for repeat offenses. Unlicensed dogs subject to impoundment and redemption fees.

Breed Restrictions

No breed-specific bans in Yonkers. NY Ag & Markets Law §107(5) preempts municipalities from banning dogs based on breed.

Key details: Breed Bans: Prohibited by state. State Law: NY Ag & Markets §107(5). Dangerous Dogs: Case-by-case only. Procedure: §123 court hearing.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Yonkers gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.

Exotic Pets

Wild and exotic animals banned as pets under NY ECL §11-0512. Yonkers Code also prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals in residential areas.

Key details: State Law: NY ECL §11-0512. Banned: Wolves, big cats, primates. Grandfathered: DEC permit required. Enforcement: DEC + city animal control.

State ECL violation: civil penalties, seizure of animal, possible criminal charges for repeat offenses.

Compared to other cities, Yonkers takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Yonkers is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Yonkers, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Yonkers can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.