Animal Ordinances in Springfield, IL (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Springfield, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Springfield permits backyard chickens in residential zones subject to zoning approval, with hens kept in the rear yard and properly enclosed; roosters are discouraged as a noise nuisance. Springfield Municipal Code Chapter 96 bars keeping livestock or poultry in the Lake Springfield 'Zone E' watershed and prohibits animals from running at large or being washed or watered in the reservoir.
Chickens allowed by zone; livestock restricted near Lake Springfield
Some RestrictionsSpringfield Municipal Code Chapter 96 (Lake Springfield - watershed zones)
No livestock or poultry shall be kept in zone E. No domestic livestock or poultry shall be permitted to run at large in zone E.
Dog Leash Laws
Springfield requires dogs on leash in public areas. Off-leash only in designated parks. License and rabies vaccination required under IL Animal Control Act.
Springfield Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Springfield has no breed-specific dog ban, and it could not lawfully adopt one. The Illinois Animal Control Act expressly prohibits any local regulation, policy, or ordinance from being specific to breed (510 ILCS 5/24), and provides that vicious dogs may not be classified in a manner specific as to breed (510 ILCS 5/15). Dangerous-dog control in Springfield is based on an individual dog's behavior, not its breed.
Breed bans prohibited; state law preempts breed-specific rules
Few Restrictions510 ILCS 5/24 (Illinois Animal Control Act - home rule; no breed-specific regulation)
Nothing in this Act shall prohibit a municipality or political subdivision of the State from prohibiting dogs from running at large, nor shall anything in this Act prevent a municipality or political subdivision of the State from further controlling and regulating dogs, ... provided that no regulation, policy, or ordinance is specific to breed.
Beekeeping
Springfield may allow residential beekeeping with hive limits and setbacks. Regulations vary by municipality. IL Department of Agriculture registers beekeepers.
Springfield Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Springfield restricts ownership of exotic and wild animals. Many species require special permits or are prohibited entirely for public safety.
Springfield Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Springfield restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisance conditions.
Springfield Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
No Springfield-specific ordinance sets a fixed maximum number of dogs or cats per household; the city's Chapter 91 focuses on restraint, nuisance, and rabies rather than a numerical pet cap. Every dog and cat four months or older must be registered and rabies-vaccinated through the Sangamon County Department of Public Health under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/8).
No numeric dog or cat cap; rabies registration required
Few Restrictions510 ILCS 5/8 (Illinois Animal Control Act - Rabies inoculation)
Every owner of a dog 4 months or more of age shall have each dog inoculated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
Looking for Sangamon County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Springfield city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Sangamon County →