LIVESTOCK AND FOWL

Memphis Code of Ordinances tit. 8, ch. 8-4

in effect

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-4-1 Neglect of livestock and fowl.

Sec. 8-4-1. - Neglect of livestock and fowl. No livestock or fowl shall be kept or confined where the water, shelter, ventilation, and food are not sufficient and wholesome for the preservation of its health and safe condition. No animal or fowl shall be kept in such place or condition as to become a nuisance either because of odor or contagious disease. (Ord. No. 5843, § 1, 7-11-2023)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-4-2 Running at—Large of livestock and fowl.

Sec. 8-4-2. - Running at—Large of livestock and fowl. It is unlawful for any person in charge of any animal defined in this chapter as livestock to permit it to run at-large upon any street, alley, or unenclosed lot within the city. (Ord. No. 5843, § 1, 7-11-2023)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-4-3 Keeping of livestock within 1,000 feet of residence or business.

Sec. 8-4-3. - Keeping of livestock within 1,000 feet of residence or business. No person shall keep livestock within 1,000 feet of any residence or place of business in the city without a permit to do so from the health officer. The health officer shall issue permits only when the keeping of such animals in the yard or buildings, and under the circumstances set forth in the application for the permit, shall not injuriously affect the public's health. Domesticated pigs or other livestock that meet the definition of companion animal in this chapter are exempt from this provision. (Ord. No. 5843, § 1, 7-11-2023)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-4-4 Killing birds.

Sec. 8-4-4. - Killing birds. A. The killing or attempting to kill any bird, other than domestic fowl, within the limits of the city, is prohibited, except as hereafter provided. B. For control purposes and to alleviate public distress, and to promote public health, owners of private residential property and public commercial property are authorized to destroy or otherwise remove pigeons and/or birds located within the boundaries of their property, and to dispose of them in accordance with sanitation services procedures. In addition, such property owners may contract with pest control companies properly licensed and bonded by the state for the removal and disposition of pigeons or birds from their property. Such pest control companies shall dispose of such pigeons and/or birds in accordance with sanitation services procedures. C. Whenever a homing pigeon bearing a ring or seamless leg-band with its registered number stamped thereon, or any protected wild bird, is found among pigeons trapped under this section, the same shall immediately be released from custody. D. This section shall not be construed to permit the use of firearms to destroy pigeons and birds, and such use is expressly prohibited. (Ord. No. 5843, § 1, 7-11-2023)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 8-4-5 Unlawful to sell fowl as pets or novelties.

Sec. 8-4-5. - Unlawful to sell fowl as pets or novelties. A. It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to display, sell, offer for sale, barter, or give away chicks or ducklings as pets or novelties. It shall further be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to dye, color or otherwise artificially treat any animal or fowl. B. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the display or sale of natural chicks, ducklings, or other fowl by those engaged in the business of selling the same to be raised for food purposes. (Ord. No. 5843, § 1, 7-11-2023)

Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8AN_CH8-4LIFOFetched: 10/28/2026