Animal Ordinances in Bristol Township, PA (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Bristol Township prohibits keeping cattle, swine, sheep, goats or fowl except where zoned and designated for them, with prior approval of the Township official. The agriculture use needs a two-acre site, and zoning caps keeping at two head of livestock and 100 fowl per one acre.
Backyard Chickens and Livestock Rules in Bristol Township
Significant RestrictionsBristol Township Code § 57-11; § 205-16 (Use D24)
C. Keeping farm animals prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any cattle, swine, sheep, goats or fowl in the Township except at such places as are zoned and designated as proper for such animals, subject to the prior approval of the Township official. ... D24 Agriculture. The production of agricultural, horticultural, arboriculture, viticultural and dairy products;...
Dog Leash Laws
Bristol Township bars any animal from running at large and requires every dog to be on a leash in public, with the leash capped at six feet. Dogs are allowed in Township parks only at places approved for dogs. A conviction under Chapter 57 carries a fine of up to $600 plus court costs.
Dog Leash and Running at Large Rules in Bristol Township
Some RestrictionsBristol Township Code § 57-3
B. Animals at large; leash requirement. (1) No animal shall run at large in the Township. All animals must be kept on a leash. Any person who is the owner or custodian of an animal found at large in the Township shall be in violation of this chapter. ... (2) No dogs shall be allowed in Township parks except at places approved for dogs and provided that said dogs shall not be at large. ... (4) A...
Breed Restrictions
Bristol Township regulates dangerous dogs by conduct, not breed. Chapter 57 defines a vicious animal as one that has attacked without cause or caused property damage, orders protective devices for any animal known to be vicious, and requires surrender of the animal to a Township official after an attack.
Vicious Animal Rules and Breed Rules in Bristol Township
Some RestrictionsBristol Township Code § 57-1; § 57-4
VICIOUS OR DESTRUCTIVE ANIMAL Any animal which has attacked, without cause, a human being or domestic animal in such a manner as to inflict physical damage on the human being or domestic animal, or has caused property damage. ... A. Any person who keeps within the Township an animal which is known by such person to be vicious shall ensure that adequate protective devices are provided to prevent...
Exotic Pets
Bristol Township bans keeping a wild or exotic animal anywhere except a zoological park, veterinary facility, Humane Society, circus, sideshow, amusement show or educational or scientific facility with adequate cages. The ban reaches ferrets, bears, primates, venomous and constricting snakes, and wild cats, and selling or transferring one is also prohibited.
Wild and Exotic Animal Ban in Bristol Township
Heavy RestrictionsBristol Township Code § 57-1; § 57-11
WILD OR EXOTIC ANIMAL Any animal of a species prohibited by Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, or otherwise controlled by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It shall include any animal which is wild, fierce, dangerous, noxious or naturally inclined to do harm. Wild animals, however domesticated, shall also include but not be limited to: ... D. Weasels (Mustelidae). All, including weasels, ma...
Pet Limits
Bristol Township caps a household at two animals. The Code Enforcement Officer can issue a permit for more after an application and inspection, and breeders with a kennel license under the State Dog Law or members of a nationally recognized breeders' association qualify for an exception.
Pet Limit per Household in Bristol Township
Some RestrictionsBristol Township Code § 57-10
(4) Number of animals. (a) The maximum number of animals per household shall be limited to two animals. (b) This number may be increased at the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer where, upon application and inspection, said Officer may issue a permit for any additional animals. An exception may be granted to a bona fide breeder/hobbyist who otherwise conforms to the provisions of this c...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, a veterinary office with an associated kennel is Use D14 under the Township Council's zoning ordinance. Outside animal shelters, kennels and runs must sit at least 200 feet from every lot line, and a kennel can never be the primary use of the property.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning in Bristol Township, PA
Some RestrictionsBristol Township Code § 205-16
(14) D14 Veterinary Office or Clinic. Office of a veterinarian with associated animal kennel. In no event shall animal kennels be allowed as a primary use. (a) No outside animal shelter, kennels or runs shall be located closer than 200 feet from any lot line. (b) In the TC Town Center (Overlay) District, regardless of the underlying zoning district, outside dog runs and kennels shall be prohibi...
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