Animal Ordinances in Lincoln, NE (2026)
16 verified animal ordinances for Lincoln, Nebraska, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Lincoln allows 2 hens without a permit under LMC 6.04.040. Up to 20 hens with a fowl permit (lot-size based). Roosters prohibited. Coops must be 50 ft from neighbors.
Lincoln Chicken & Backyard Fowl Rules
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Lincoln prohibits dogs running at large under LMC 6.04.120. Dogs must be leashed off-property. All dogs require an annual city license under LMC 6.08.030 with rabies vaccine.
Lincoln Dog Leash & At-Large Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Lincoln has no breed ban. LMC Chapter 6.10 uses a behavior-based dangerous and potentially dangerous dog declaration system. Dogs are evaluated on bite history, not breed.
Lincoln Dangerous Dog Declarations (No Breed Ban)
Some RestrictionsNebraska Revised Statute 54-617, Chapter 54 (Dangerous Dogs definitions)
Nebraska Revised Statute 54-617. Dangerous dogs; terms, defined. For purposes of sections 54-617 to 54-624: (1) Animal control authority means an entity authorized to enforce the animal control laws of a county, city, or village or this state and includes any local law enforcement agency or other agency designated by a county, city, or village to enforce the animal control laws of such county, ...
Beekeeping
Lincoln allows urban beekeeping under Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 6.16 (Apiaries). Hives must sit at least 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling and 15 feet from any lot line, sidewalk, alley, or public way, capped at one hive per 1,500 square feet of lot.
Lincoln Beekeeping Rules Under Municipal Code Chapter 6.16
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Lincoln Municipal Code 6.04.020 makes it unlawful to own, keep, or harbor any 'unusual or wild animal' within the city limits. LMC 6.02.530 defines that term to cover large cats, wolves, bears, primates, bats, raccoons, venomous reptiles, alligators, and giant constrictor snakes. Limited exemptions exist for zoos, licensed exhibitors, universities, and permitted wildlife rescues, but private pet ownership of these species is not permitted.
Exotic and Unusual Animals Prohibited in Lincoln
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Lincoln has no specific wildlife feeding ban. Attracting wildlife that creates a nuisance may be enforced under Title 6 animal control and nuisance rules. NE Game and Parks regulates statewide.
Lincoln Wildlife Feeding Regulations
Few RestrictionsLivestock
Lincoln requires a Large Animal Permit under LMC 6.04.030 for horses, cattle, goats, and sheep. Lot size rules apply. Swine are banned citywide under LMC 6.04.290.
Lincoln Livestock & Large Animal Permit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Lincoln Title 6 prohibits keeping animals in conditions that endanger health, safety, or welfare. Capital Humane Society officers and LPD investigate hoarding-style cruelty cases under city code and Nebraska state cruelty statutes.
Lincoln Animal Hoarding and Cruelty Rules
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Lincoln Title 6 caps the number of dogs and cats that may be kept at a single residence without a kennel permit. Households exceeding the cap must apply for a special-use permit and meet additional sanitation and zoning standards.
Lincoln Household Pet Number Limits
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Lincoln Title 6 requires cats over six months old to be licensed annually with the city, vaccinated against rabies, and kept under reasonable owner control. Free-roaming cats causing nuisance may be impounded by Capital Humane Society.
Lincoln Cat Licensing and Containment
Some RestrictionsMandatory Spay/Neuter
Lincoln does not mandate spay or neuter for owned pets but uses a tiered license fee structure under Title 6 to charge significantly less for altered cats and dogs, encouraging voluntary sterilization through Capital Humane Society programs.
Lincoln Spay/Neuter Incentive Licensing
Few RestrictionsMicrochipping
Lincoln does not mandate microchipping but strongly recommends it alongside the required city license tag. Capital Humane Society scans every impounded animal and uses chip registries to reunite lost pets with their owners.
Lincoln Microchipping and Pet Identification
Few RestrictionsCoyote Management
Coyotes are a state-regulated furbearer in Nebraska, so Lincoln focuses on public-education hazing guidance rather than city-funded removal. LPD and Nebraska Game and Parks respond only to aggressive or sick animals threatening people or pets.
Lincoln Coyote Encounters and Hazing Guidance
Few RestrictionsPet Store Rules
Pet retailers in Lincoln operate under Title 6 sanitation and care standards plus general business licensing through Title 8. Sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits must comply with state vendor recordkeeping rules under Nebraska's Commercial Dog and Cat Operator Act.
Lincoln Pet Store and Retail Animal Rules
Some RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic Zoning
Veterinary clinics, hospitals, and boarding kennels in Lincoln are placed by use district under Title 27 zoning. Most small-animal clinics are allowed in commercial districts; overnight boarding and large-animal services trigger additional standards and buffers.
Lincoln Veterinary Clinic Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsBird Protection
Most wild birds in Lincoln are protected by federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Nebraska Game and Parks regulations. Local rules under Title 6 prohibit harassing wildlife, and tree work or building modifications must avoid active nests.