Animal Ordinances in Mount Vernon, NY (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Mount Vernon, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Chickens and livestock are prohibited in Mount Vernon residential zones. The city's dense urban character (~4 sq mi) excludes agricultural uses from zoning.
animals/chickens-livestock
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Mount Vernon Code Chapter 99 requires dogs to be leashed in all public places. NY Ag & Markets Law requires annual licensing and rabies vaccination for all dogs over 4 months.
animals/dog-leash-laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Mount Vernon cannot ban dogs by breed. NY Agriculture & Markets Law §107(5) preempts all municipal breed-specific legislation statewide.
animals/breed-restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Beekeeping in Mount Vernon requires NY State registration with Ag & Markets. Local zoning is restrictive given dense urban lots; check with Building Department before starting a hive.
animals/beekeeping
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Exotic and wild animals are banned in Mount Vernon under NY Environmental Conservation Law §11-0512. No new permits issued for wild animal pets.
animals/exotic-pets
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Feeding wildlife such as deer, raccoons, or pigeons that creates a nuisance is prohibited under Mount Vernon's property maintenance and nuisance ordinances.
animals/wildlife-feeding
Some RestrictionsLooking for Westchester County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Mount Vernon city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Westchester County →