Animal Ordinances in Dearborn, MI (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Dearborn, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Dearborn generally prohibits chickens and farm livestock in residential zones, treating them as nuisance animals unless kept on large agricultural-zoned parcels, which are rare in the city.
Dearborn Chickens and Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Dearborn requires dogs to be leashed on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property, with off-leash use allowed only at designated dog parks like Ford Woods.
Dearborn Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Dearborn does not have breed-specific legislation, but dangerous and vicious dogs of any breed are regulated under Michigan MCL 287.321 and local ordinance requiring confinement and insurance.
Dearborn Dog Breed Restrictions
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
Dearborn does not expressly permit residential beekeeping, and hives in residential zones may be treated as nuisance use, though the Michigan Apiary Act MCL 286.431 protects registered beekeepers from arbitrary bans.
Dearborn Beekeeping Rules
Heavy RestrictionsExotic Pets
Dearborn prohibits dangerous exotic animals including large cats, bears, venomous snakes, primates, and wolves. Small reptiles, ferrets, and common caged birds are allowed.
Dearborn Exotic Pet Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Dearborn prohibits feeding deer, geese, raccoons, and other wildlife that creates nuisance conditions, with feeding of songbirds allowed if it does not attract rodents or larger mammals.
Dearborn Wildlife Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Livestock including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and swine are prohibited in Dearborn residential zones, consistent with the city's fully urban zoning and lack of agricultural districts.
Dearborn Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Wayne County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Dearborn city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Wayne County →