7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Rockland County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Rockland County allows hens in NYC but roosters are banned. Coops must meet health standards. Livestock prohibited in most residential zones. NYC Health Code governs.
All Rockland County municipalities require dogs to be leashed in public places under NY Agriculture and Markets Law Article 7 and local codes. Leashes are typically limited to 6 feet. Off-leash is permitted only in designated dog parks such as the Clarkstown and Orangetown dog parks.
NY State law prohibits breed-specific legislation by municipalities. Rockland County and its towns cannot ban pit bulls, rottweilers, or other breeds. Dangerous dog designations are made on individual behavior under Agriculture and Markets Law Section 123.
Beekeeping is regulated at the town level in Rockland County. Most towns permit hives on residential lots over a certain size (typically 10,000 sq ft) with setback requirements from property lines (10 to 25 feet). State registration with NY Ag and Markets is required.
NY Environmental Conservation Law Section 11-0512 and Agriculture and Markets Law Section 370 ban private ownership of wild animals including big cats, bears, primates, wolves, venomous snakes, and crocodilians. Rockland towns generally follow state law without additional restrictions, and DEC permits are limited to qualified educational and scientific exhibitors.
NY DEC prohibits feeding deer and bears statewide under Environmental Conservation Law 11-0505 and 11-0506. Rockland towns reinforce the ban with local rules against feeding that attracts bears, raccoons, or deer. Bird feeders are generally permitted but must be removed if they attract bears (April to November).
Most Rockland towns limit households to 3 to 5 dogs and similar cat limits without a kennel license. Ramapo Code limits households to 4 dogs over 6 months old. Kennel permits are required above household limits with zoning review and neighbor notice.
1 cities in Rockland County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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