Animal Ordinances in Manchester, NH (2026)
11 verified animal ordinances for Manchester, New Hampshire, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Manchester regulates backyard chickens and livestock through local zoning ordinances. New Hampshire's agricultural tradition and Right to Farm law RSA 432:32 generally support keeping poultry and livestock.
Manchester Chickens & Backyard Livestock Rules
Few RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Manchester enforces dog control through local ordinances and NH RSA 466. All dogs must be licensed annually under RSA 466:1. Leash requirements are set by local ordinance under RSA 466:30-a.
Manchester Dog Leash & Control Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Manchester does not impose breed-specific legislation. New Hampshire has no statewide breed ban. RSA 466:31 addresses individual dangerous dogs based on behavior, not breed.
Manchester Dog Breed Restriction Policies
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Manchester permits beekeeping subject to local zoning and NH RSA 429 apiary regulations. New Hampshire requires registration of all colonies with the State Apiarist for disease monitoring.
Manchester Beekeeping & Apiary Regulations
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Manchester restricts ownership of exotic and wild animals. Many species require special permits or are prohibited entirely for public safety.
Manchester Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Manchester restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisance conditions.
Manchester Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Manchester Chapter 6 caps the number of dogs over four months old per household and treats homes exceeding the limit as kennels needing zoning approval under Chapter 410 and a state kennel license through NH RSA 466:7 if applicable.
Manchester Multi-Pet Household Limits
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Manchester requires cats four months or older to wear identification under Chapter 6, and New Hampshire RSA 466-A:1 mandates rabies vaccination for owned cats statewide regardless of indoor or outdoor status.
Manchester Cat Licensing and At-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsMandatory Spay/Neuter
Manchester does not impose a blanket mandatory spay-neuter ordinance, but New Hampshire RSA 437-A requires shelters and rescues to sterilize dogs and cats before adoption release or to collect a refundable deposit ensuring later compliance.
Manchester Spay-Neuter Incentive and Adoption Rules
Few RestrictionsMicrochipping
Manchester does not require microchipping by ordinance, but the Manchester Animal Shelter scans every impounded animal and provides chipping services during adoption, dramatically improving return-to-owner rates citywide for both dogs and cats.
Manchester Microchipping for Reclaiming Impounded Pets
Few RestrictionsCoyote Management
New Hampshire Fish and Game manages coyotes statewide under RSA 207, allowing year-round take with a hunting license outside city limits, while Manchester relies on hazing, secured trash, and police response for in-city encounters near the Merrimack River.
Manchester Coyote Encounters and Hazing Guidance
Some RestrictionsLooking for Hillsborough County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Manchester city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Hillsborough County →