Delaware Statewide Rule

Delaware Livestock and Poultry Running-at-Large Statute

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Delaware (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Del. Code Title 3, Ch. 77
Enforcer: Secretary of Agriculture
First-offense penalty: $50 to $500
Repeat penalty: $500 to $1,000
Covers poultry: Yes, plus swine, cattle, equine

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Delaware makes it unlawful to let livestock, poultry, swine, cattle, equine and more, run at large on public highways or unenclosed lands. The Secretary of Agriculture assesses civil penalties of $50 to $500 per offense, rising to $1,000 for repeat offenses.

§ 7701 (a) It is unlawful to allow livestock to run at large on the public highways or on unenclosed lands within the State. (b) The Secretary of Agriculture may impose a civil penalty of not less than $50 or more than $500 for each offense on any person owning livestock found to have run at large... For each subsequent offense occurring within 12 months of a prior offense, the person is subject to a civil penalty not less than $500 or more than $1000 for each offense. The minimum civil penalty for a subsequent offense may not be subject to suspension.

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Full Breakdown

Under Title 3, Chapter 77 of the Delaware Code, owners must keep livestock confined to their own property. Section 7701(a) states it is unlawful to allow livestock to run at large on public highways or on unenclosed lands within the State. The Department of Agriculture defines livestock broadly to include poultry, ratites, rabbits, swine, bovine, equine, camelid, cervid and ruminants. The Secretary of Agriculture may impose a civil penalty of $50 to $500 per offense, and $500 to $1,000 for a subsequent offense within 12 months, with that repeat minimum non-suspendable. Department agents may take up and impound stray animals under Section 7702, and damaged parties may seek restitution in Justice of the Peace or Common Pleas Court.

Violations & Penalties

The Secretary of Agriculture imposes a civil penalty of not less than $50 or more than $500 per offense; a repeat offense within 12 months draws $500 to $1,000, with the minimum non-suspendable. Stray animals may be impounded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Delaware's stray-livestock law cover backyard chickens?

Yes. Section 7700 defines livestock to include poultry, so chickens allowed to run at large onto highways or a neighbor's unenclosed land fall under the statute's confinement duty.

Who enforces the running-at-large rule?

The Delaware Secretary of Agriculture assesses the civil penalties, and Department agents may take up and impound animals found running at large under Section 7702.

What if an animal escapes accidentally?

Section 7706 shields owners earning 25% or more of income from agriculture from liability for accidental escapes, unless they negligently allowed the animal to escape.

Sources

Del. Code Title 3, Ch. 77 — Stray Livestock

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