ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL
Municipal Code of Chicago tit. 7, ch. 7-12
in effectMunicipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-015 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 4, repealed § 7-12-015, which set forth the powers and duties of the Executive Director.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-020 Definitions.
7-12-020 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following are defined and shall be construed as hereinafter set out unless it shall be apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended:
"Animal" means any living vertebrate, domestic or wild, not including man.
"Animal control center" means a facility operated by and under the direct supervision of the Executive Director for the purpose of impounding animals as henceforth set out in this chapter.
"Animal control officer" means an employee of the Department who shall be responsible to it and the Executive Director and have the power and authority to issue citations for any violations of this ordinance relating to the care, treatment, control or impoundment of animals.
"Animal under restraint" means any animal:
(1) either secured by a leash or lead;
(2) within the premises of its owner, or confined within a crate or cage, or confined within a vehicle, or on the premises of another person with the consent of that person; provided that any animal not secured by a leash or lead and that is outdoors on the premises of its owner or outdoors on the premises of another person with consent of that person shall not be considered under restraint unless the animal is on a fenced portion of the premises and the fence is: (i) constructed to keep the animal from reaching through the fence; and (ii) of sufficient height appropriate to the size of the animal to prevent the animal from jumping or reaching over the fence; or
(3) within an area specifically designated by the Chicago Park District or by the City of Chicago as a dog park, or as an animal exercise run; provided that the animal is under the control of a competent person.
"Bite" means seizure with the teeth or jaws of an animal so that the skin of the human being or animal seized has been pierced or broken and further includes contact of the saliva of the biting animal with any break or abrasion of the skin of the human being or animal bitten.
"Cat" means any live male or female cat (Felis catus).
"City-owned animal" means an animal that has become the property of the City through: (i) the City’s possession of the animal and the owner’s failure to redeem the animal within the mandated time or (ii) the owner’s voluntary transfer of possession of the animal to the City.
"Commission" means the Commission on Animal Care and Control.
"Dangerous animal" means an animal meeting any one of the following criteria:
(1) any animal which bites, inflicts injury on, kills or otherwise attacks a human being or domestic animal without provocation on any public or private property; or
(2) Any animal which on more than one occasion, without provocation, chases or approaches any person in an apparent attitude of attack, on any public property or in any place outside or over the boundaries of its owner's property; or
(3) Any animal owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of dog or other animal fighting or any animal trained for dog or other animal fighting; or
(4) Any dog that is used as a guard dog; or
(5) Any animal which has been found to be a vicious dog under state law.
"Department" means Chicago Animal Care and Control.
"Dog" means any live male or female dog (Canis familiaris).
"Euthanasia" or "humane destruction" means death brought about by any method which produces instant loss of consciousness and results in painless death.
"Executive Director" means the Executive Director of the Department.
"Foster home" means a private or public facility that the Director has deemed suitable for the temporary care of animals, that accepts the transfer of one or more animals from the Department and cares for that animal until the Director effects the return of the animal to the Department or places it for adoption.
"Guard dog" means any dog used primarily for the purpose of defending, patrolling, or protecting property or life at a commercial establishment other than a farm; provided that, "Guard dog" does not include stock dogs used primarily for handling and controlling livestock or farm animals; provided further, that "Guard dog" shall not include any dog that is the property of any local, state or federal government.
"Horse" means an animal of the genus equus.
"Impounded" means having been taken into the custody of the Department or any other facility designated by the Executive Director.
"Licensed dog" means any dog four months of age or older for which the owner can produce proof of having paid the license fee for the current year.
"Microchip" means a passive electronic device that is injected into an animal by means of a prepackaged sterilized implanting device for purposes of identification or recovery.
"Owner" means any person having a right of property in an animal or who keeps or harbors any animal or who has an animal in his care or custody.
"Pet" means any species of domesticated animals customarily regarded as suited to live within an abode used for human occupancy.
"Provocation" means that the threat, injury or damage caused by the animal was sustained by a person who, at the time, was committing a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the animal, or was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the animal, or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.
"Severe injury" means any physical injury that results in death; loss of soft tissue; a broken bone; hospitalization admittance; impairment of any bodily function; disfiguring laceration; laceration requiring sutures or cosmetic surgery; or lacerations or puncture wounds caused by more than one bite.
"Snakehead fish" means a fish of the Family Channidae.
"Sterilization" or "sterilize" means the rendering of an animal unable to reproduce by altering the animal's reproductive organs. Sterilization includes the spaying of a female dog or cat, or the neutering of a male dog or cat.
"Stray animal" means any animal not under restraint and not in the presence of its owner.
"Vaccination" means the injection, as approved by the Department of Agriculture, State of Illinois, of an antirabies vaccine approved by said department, with verification thereof consisting of a current certificate and current tag issued in accordance with the statutes of the State of Illinois.
"Veterinarian" means a person currently licensed by the State of Illinois to engage in the practice of veterinarian medicine.
"Visiting hours" means posted days and hours during which an animal control center operated by the Department shall be kept open to the public for the transaction of appropriate business, as established by the Executive Director.
"Animal care facility", "Animal Exhibition", "Guard dog", "Humane society", "Pet show", and "Veterinary hospital" shall have the same meaning ascribed to them as in Section 4-384-010 of this Code.
(Prior code § 98-2; Amend Coun. J. 10-16-84, p. 10165; Amend Coun. J. 10-2-95, p. 8604; Amend Coun. J. 4-16-97, p. 42588; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-01, p. 75777, § 4.1; Amend Coun. J. 10-2-02, p. 94895, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 4.1; Amend Coun. J. 7-26-06, p. 81829, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 2-7-07, p. 98109, § 4; Amend Coun. J. 3-14-07, p. 99838, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 5-9-07, p. 104624, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 9-5-07, p. 6584, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. III, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 5-25-18, p. 77747, § 3)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-030 Animals shall be restrained.
7-12-030 Animals shall be restrained.
Each owner shall keep and maintain his animal under restraint; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to any dog being used for rescue or law enforcement work. It shall be unlawful for any owner to allow his or her animal to cross outside the property line of its owner to any extent, including reaching through, over or under a fence, or to keep or allow his or her animal to be outdoors on an unfenced portion of the owner's property, unless the animal is leashed and under the control of its owner or another responsible person; provided that any animal not secured by a leash or lead and that is outdoors on a fenced portion of the owner's property or outdoors on the premises of another person with consent of that person shall not be considered under restraint unless the fence is of sufficient height appropriate to the size of the animal to prevent the animal from jumping or reaching over the fence. In addition, it shall be an unlawful failure to restrain for an animal to attack, bite, threaten, or jump on any person without that person's consent, outside the property of the animal's owner. The provisions of this section shall be a positive duty of the owner and the offenses described herein shall be strict liability offenses.
Any owner who violates any provision of this section shall be subject to a fine of $300.00, if the violation does not result in severe injury or death to any person or damage to another person's property. If the violation results in severe injury or death to any person, the owner shall be subject to a fine of not less than $1,000.00 and not more than $10,000.00. In addition to a fine, the owner may be required to submit full restitution to the victim or may be incarcerated for a period not to exceed six months, or may be required to perform up to 100 hours of community service, or any combination thereof. If the violation results in damage to another person's property, the owner shall be subject to a fine of not less than $300.00 and not more than $1,000.00. In addition to a fine, the owner may be required to submit full restitution to the victim.
(Prior code § 98-3; Amend Coun. J. 10-2-95, p. 8604; Amend Coun. J. 10-31-01, p. 71774, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 3-31-04, p. 20916, § 3.25; Amend Coun. J. 3-14-07, p. 99838, § 1)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-040 Impounding animals that are stray.
7-12-040 Impounding animals that are stray.
(a) Any stray animal may be immediately impounded by an animal control officer.
(b) An animal control officer may return a stray animal recovered in the field if the animal control officer determines that its owner resides within three miles of the site of recovery. If the animal is left with the owner, the owner shall not be liable for the redemption fee established in Section 7-12-120(a).
(Prior code § 98-3.1; Amend Coun. J. 10-2-95, p. 8604; Amend Coun. J. 3-14-07, p. 99838, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. XII, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 4-18-18, p. 75057, § 1)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-050 Dangerous animals - Investigation, determination, and requirements.
7-12-050 Dangerous animals - Investigation, determination, and requirements.
The Executive Director shall have the authority to make a determination that an animal is a dangerous animal, as defined in Section 7-12-020, and to order the owner to comply with any of the measures set forth below for the protection of public health, safety and welfare.
(a) Upon receipt of a complaint or other report of an animal bite, attack, threatening behavior, or other reason to believe an animal may be a dangerous animal, the Department shall evaluate the seriousness of the complaint or report and, if the circumstances warrant, may conduct an investigation of the facts. Where necessary, practicable, and readily located, the investigation may include, but not be limited to, interviewing the complainant, the human victim, if any, the victim animal's owner, the biter animal's owner, any witnesses, and also include observation of the animal and the scene, and any other relevant information. The Department then shall make a written finding of whether an animal is a dangerous animal as defined in Section 7-12-020 and the basis for that finding. In addition, if during the course of the investigation, the Department uncovers evidence of inhumane treatment of any animal in violation of Section 7-12-080, the Department shall make a written finding of the specific violation and forward the written finding to the Executive Director. For purposes of this section, a police report may support the Department's determination. When making the determination, the Executive Director shall take into consideration the totality of the circumstances, including the behavior of all of the participants that led to the incident. The Executive Director shall declare in writing whether the animal is a dangerous animal and issue appropriate requirements as set forth in Section 7-12-050.
(b) Euthanasia.
(1) The Executive Director shall order the euthanasia of a dangerous animal that has been declared dangerous because it has caused death to a person.
(2) Where an animal is declared to be a dangerous animal because it has been found to have caused the death of another domestic animal, or severe injury to any person or domestic animal, the Executive Director may order the euthanasia of the animal, where appropriate, taking into consideration the severity and the circumstances of injury or death.
(c) In all cases where an animal is declared to be a dangerous animal and the animal is not euthanized, the Executive Director shall order the owner to comply with the following requirements:
(1) While on the owner's property, the owner must securely confine the dangerous animal indoors or within a securely enclosed and locked outdoor enclosure suitable to prevent the entry of young children and designed to prevent the animal from escaping; or both an indoor and outdoor enclosure that meets the above criteria. If the owner chooses to securely confine the dangerous animal within an outdoor enclosure, such enclosure must be a minimum of six feet in height and must have secure sides and top. If the enclosure has no bottom secured to the sides, the sides must be embedded into the ground no less than two feet deep. The enclosure also must be humane and have an area which provides protection for the animal from the elements and extreme temperatures. In addition to the enclosure required by this subsection, the owner shall erect a fence on the perimeter of that portion of the property where the enclosure is located. The location and height of the fence shall be approved by the Executive Director. The enclosure and fence shall be erected within thirty days of the declaration that the animal is a dangerous animal. An owner whose animal will be exclusively confined indoors must submit to the Executive Director a sworn, notarized declaration that the animal will be exclusively confined indoors.
(2) While off of the owner's property, a dangerous animal must be muzzled securely to prevent the possibility of biting, restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length, and under the control of a responsible adult at all times. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the animal or impair its vision or respiration but must prevent it from biting any person or animal.
(3) Within 24 hours of the declaration that the animal is a dangerous animal, the owner must display, in a conspicuous manner, a sign on the owner's premises warning that a dangerous animal is on the premises by stating in capital letters:
"WARNING – DANGEROUS ANIMAL – KEEP AWAY."
If the owner lives in a free-standing residence or a townhome, the sign must be visible and legible from the public way and from 50 feet away from the special enclosure required pursuant to subsection (c)(1) above. If the owner lives in an apartment or multi-unit dwelling and the animal is kept solely within the dwelling, the sign must be placed on both the front and back entries to the unit.
(4) Within ten business days of the declaration that the animal is a dangerous animal, the owner, at the owner's expense, shall have an identifying microchip installed under the animal's skin by a veterinarian.
(5) Within ten business days of the declaration that the animal is a dangerous animal, the animal shall be sterilized, at the owner's expense.
(6) Within ten business days of the declaration that the animal is a dangerous animal, the owner must procure and maintain in effect liability insurance, including coverage of claims arising from the conduct of the owner's animal, in an amount not less than $100,000.00 for each animal declared dangerous for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage.
The insurance shall include a provision whereby the insurer notifies the Executive Director not less than 30 days prior to cancellation or lapse of coverage.
In addition, the Executive Director may order the owner to comply with any of the following requirements, in any combination:
(7) The owner must confine the dangerous animal indoors or within a securely locked outdoor enclosure described above in subsection (1) at all times and only allow the animal out under the conditions set forth in subsection (2) when it is necessary to obtain veterinary care for the animal, comply with a court order, or where an emergency is declared by a government agency requiring evacuation of the owner.
(8) The owner and the animal must complete a course of animal obedience training approved by the Executive Director.
In the alternative to (1) – (8) above, the Executive Director may order that the dangerous animal:
(i) at the owner's expense, have an identifying microchip implanted under the animal's skin by a veterinarian; and
(ii) be permanently barred from the city limits. The owner shall provide a statement, verified by affidavit, to the Executive Director indicating the new location of the animal, and the name and address of the person having custody of the animal.
(d) When an animal has been impounded pursuant to this section, the Executive Director shall send written notice to the last known address of the animal's owner by first class mail.
(1) When the animal has been impounded pursuant to subsection (f) below, the notice shall: (i) be sent within 30 days after the first day of impoundment; and (ii) advise the owner of the impoundment, the investigation, and the fees due under Section 7-12-120 or other applicable ordinance or rule.
(2) If the animal has been declared a dangerous animal by the Executive Director, the notice shall describe the basis for such declaration by specific behavior and date(s) of occurrence, setting forth all applicable orders and requirements imposed, reason of such declaration, and informing the owner of the right to appeal the determination by filing a written request for a hearing within ten days of service of the notice.
(3) Written notice shall be deemed served on the date the notice is mailed.
(4) If there is a complainant or victim, and the Department has contact information for that individual, the Department shall also send the individual a copy of the declaration.
(e) If the owner requests a hearing, the Department of Administrative Hearings shall appoint an administrative law officer who shall hold a de novo hearing within 30 days of the request, at which all interested parties may present testimony and any other relevant evidence. The hearing shall be taped or recorded by other appropriate means. If the administrative law officer upholds the Executive Director's determination that the animal is dangerous, the owner shall have 30 days to satisfy all requirements set out in subsection (c) and the notice. In those cases where the Executive Director has ordered euthanasia of the dangerous animal, that order shall not be carried out until 36 days after issuance of the final order. If the owner files for administrative review and presents notice of the complaint to the Department within 35 days of the issuance of the final order, the final order shall be stayed until resolution of such appeal.
(f) When a complaint has been made or a bite reported, and when the circumstances of the bite incident suggest that an animal will be declared a dangerous animal, the Executive Director or his designee is authorized to either (1) impound and hold such animal, at the owner's expense or (2) impose one or more of the requirements set forth in subsection (c) above, pending the completion of the dangerous animal investigation and final resolution of any appeals. Should an owner fail to comply with requirements issued by the Executive Director under this subsection (f)(2), the Executive Director shall impound and hold the animal at the owner's expense. Where the animal has caused severe injury or death to any person, the Executive Director or his designee shall impound and hold such animal, at the owner's expense, pending the investigation and final resolution of any appeals. Moreover, in no event shall a dangerous animal be released to its owner before the owner obtains a dangerous animal license pursuant to Section 7-12-052 or before the Executive Director or his designee approves the enclosure required by subsection (c)(1). The holding period and impoundment procedures for animals of unknown ownership shall be governed by Section 7-12-060. Any animal impounded and held pursuant to this subparagraph (f) shall receive shelter, food, water, sanitization of kennels, and medical care to the extent the Department's resources and capacity for care will permit during the holding period. Animals may also receive in-kennel enrichment as the Department's partners may be able to provide.
(g) Owners of guard dogs and owners of dogs which have been found to be "vicious dogs" under state law shall comply with the requirements of Section 7-12-050(c)(1) through (6) without the need for any individualized declaration or the right to any hearing, except that, to the extent an owner disputes the fact that the animal is used as a guard dog the hearing procedure set forth in subsection (e) of this section shall apply. The Department may promulgate rules that set forth the conditions under which the provisions of subsection (c) of this section shall not apply to guard dogs when the dogs are on assignment.
(Added Coun. J. 10-2-95, p. 8604; Amend Coun. J. 7-10-96, p. 24982; Amend Coun. J. 11-12-97, p. 56813; Amend Coun. J. 4-29-98, p. 66564; Amend Coun. J. 10-31-01, p. 71774, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 3-14-07, p. 99838, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. II, § 20; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. XII, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 2-28-18, p. 65923, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 1-27-21, p. 26741, Art. II, § 9)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-051 Dangerous animals - Violations.
7-12-051 Dangerous animals - Violations.
(a) Any owner who fails to comply with any of the requirements of Section 7-12-050, Section 7-12-052, or any additional orders of the Executive Director as authorized by those sections shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500.00 nor more than $1,000.00, plus impoundment of the animal. If the owner fails to make the animal available for impoundment or fails to come into compliance with the requirements or orders within 7 days after the impoundment of the animal, the owner shall be incarcerated for a term not to exceed six months and the animal shall become the property of the Department. In addition to the penalties set forth above, the Executive Director may order an owner who violates Section 7-12-050 to attend with the animal a course of animal obedience training approved by the Executive Director.
(b) Any animal which has been declared a dangerous animal and which (1) is seen outside and not confined within the enclosure required by Section 7-12-050(c)(1), and not muzzled and under control as required by Section 7-12-050(c)(2), or (2) thereafter attacks or injures a person or domestic animal, shall be impounded by an animal control officer or a police officer, at the owner's expense, and the Executive Director may order the owner to comply with any of the alternatives set forth in Section 7-12-050(c), including the euthanasia of the animal. If the owner fails to make the animal available for impoundment or fails to come into compliance with the requirements or orders within 7 days after the impoundment of the animal, the owner shall be incarcerated for a term not to exceed six months and the animal shall become the property of the Department. The owner shall be entitled to notice and an opportunity for a hearing in the same manner as provided in Section 7-12-050(d) and (e) above.
(Added Coun. J. 10-2-95, p. 8604; Amend Coun. J. 3-14-07, p. 99838, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 7; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. XII, § 3)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-052 Dangerous animals - Miscellaneous.
7-12-052 Dangerous animals - Miscellaneous.
(a) Every owner of a dangerous animal shall allow inspection of the enclosure described in Section 7-12-050 by the Executive Director or his designee.
(b) All dangerous animals as defined in this chapter are hereby declared to be a public nuisance; provided that they are lawful if maintained in strict compliance with the requirements set out in Section 7-12-050(c).
(c) [Reserved.]
(d) When an animal has caused severe injury or death to any person, but it is not found to be a dangerous animal on the grounds that the attack was provoked, the Executive Director shall advise the owner to comply with the safety measures set forth in Section 7-12-050(c) in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
(e) In addition to any other license required under this chapter, the owner of any animal declared dangerous shall obtain a dangerous animal license within 10 days of the declaration that the animal is a dangerous animal; except that this provision shall not apply to the owner of any guard dog service that is licensed under Chapter 4-384 of this code. The owner shall pay an annual license fee of $100 for the privilege of owning the dangerous animal. The application for the license shall be made to the Executive Director.
(Added Coun. J. 10-2-95, p. 8604; Amend Coun. J. 3-14-07, p. 99838, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 8; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. XII, § 4)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-060 Redemption of impounded animals.
7-12-060 Redemption of impounded animals.
(a) Subject to the exceptions provided in subsections (b), (c), and (d), the Department, or any agency the Department may designate to take possession of animals for the purposes of impounding, shall hold impounded animals for a minimum of seven days, unless the owner redeems the animal sooner, during which time reasonable means shall be used to facilitate their return to the rightful owners. The owner of any animal impounded in any animal control center may, at any time during visiting hours at the animal control center, and before the sale or other disposal as provided in this chapter, redeem such animal by paying the required fees or charges and, in the case of an unlicensed animal, by complying with the license requirements. The seven-day holding period shall not apply to an animal relinquished by its owner to the Department under owner signature authorizing the Department to make immediate disposition of the animal at its discretion, nor shall any required holding period apply to an animal received for impounding in obviously critical physical condition or for which immediate euthanasia shall be deemed proper for humane reasons by the Executive Director or the Executive Director's designee.
(b) Any impounded animal of unknown ownership that remains unredeemed after three days shall be the property of the Department. The Executive Director may allow the adoption or transfer of any animal of unknown ownership after three days of impoundment, or any other disposition of the animal after five days of impoundment. In the event the Executive Director determines that an animal of unknown ownership suffers from severe behavioral issues, the Executive Director may allow any disposition of the animal after three days impoundment. Wild animals which are noxious by their very nature, such as wild rats and undomesticated rodents, may be euthanized at once following an examination for zoonotic diseases.
(c) The Executive Director may allow the immediate adoption, or immediate transfer to an animal shelter or similar facility, of: (1) any impounded cat of unknown ownership; and (2) any impounded litter of puppies aged four months or younger of unknown ownership, as well as their mother, if she is present. The Executive Director also may allow the immediate transfer or other disposition of any impounded unweaned neonate animal of unknown ownership.
(d) The Executive Director shall have the authority to adopt rules necessary for the administration of this section.
(Prior code § 98-3.3; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 4.1; Amend Coun. J. 11-12-14, p. 96630, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 9; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. XII, § 5)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-065 Redemption of dogs and cats.
7-12-065 Redemption of dogs and cats.
(a) Except as provided elsewhere in this section, any dog or cat impounded under Sections 7-12-040(a), 7-12-080, or 7-12-290 shall, prior to the animal’s return to its owner:
(1) have a microchip implanted if it does not already have one;
(2) have a confirmed current rabies vaccination; and
(3) if the dog or cat is capable of reproduction, be sterilized.
(b) An owner may receive the animal without compliance with subsection (a)(1) or (3) if:
(1) The Executive Director determines that microchipping and/or sterilization would endanger the life or health of the animal, or
(2) The owner contests microchipping and/or sterilization within the stray hold period set forth in Section 7-12-060 by filing a written request for a hearing.
(c) An owner who redeems an animal pursuant to subsection (b)(1) shall, within thirty days of redeeming the animal, provide the Department with either:
(1) proof that the owner had the animal microchipped and/or sterilized; or
(2) a veterinarian’s certificate stating that the animal cannot be sterilized without endangering the life or health of the animal.
(d) If the owner requests a hearing pursuant to subsection (b)(2), the Department of Administrative Hearings shall appoint an administrative law officer, who shall hold a hearing, at which all interested parties may present testimony and any other relevant evidence, within 15 days of the request. If the administrative law officer upholds the Executive Director’s determination that the cat or dog is subject to the requirements of subsection (a), then the owner shall complete the ordered procedures and provide the Department with the documentation required in subsection (c) within thirty-five days after the administrative law officer’s order. If the owner appeals to the circuit court during that time period, the order to sterilize and implant a microchip in the animal shall be stayed until resolution of such appeal.
(Added Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 4.1; Amend Coun. J. 3-14-07, p. 99838, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 10; Amend Coun. J. 4-18-18, p. 75057, § 2)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-070 Facilities to be used for impoundments.
7-12-070 Facilities to be used for impoundments.
For purposes of impoundment, the Executive Director shall utilize: (i) an animal control center, (ii) a foster home, (iii) the facilities of any humane society properly equipped and willing to impound animals, or, (iv) if the animal shall be of a species that may be better or more safely impounded elsewhere, the Executive Director may designate an alternate facility that is properly equipped and willing to accept the animal.
(Prior code § 98-3.4; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 11; Amend Coun. J. 5-25-18, p. 77747, § 4)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-080 Removal of neglected animal.
7-12-080 Removal of neglected animal.
(a) Whenever the Executive Director shall determine: (1) that any animal is kept within a building or upon any premises without food, water, shelter, or proper care and attention for a period of time sufficient within his judgment to cause undue discomfort or suffering, and the owner cannot be located after reasonable search, or if the owner shall be known to be absent due to injury, illness, incarceration, eviction, or other involuntary circumstance; or (2) that any animal is kept at a residence under such conditions that endanger the public health, safety and welfare, or the safety and welfare of the animal, it shall be the duty of the Executive Director to obtain the necessary legal process to allow him or her to enter or to cause to have entered such building or premises to take possession and remove such animal to an animal control center or to a humane society or other appropriate agency equipped, able and willing to accept the animal.
(b) The animal control center, humane society or other authorized receiving agency shall exercise due caution for the welfare and temporary safekeeping of any animal so removed, in conformance with policies to be prescribed by the Department. After due notification to the owner, or, if the owner cannot be located or contacted after reasonable effort by the animal control center, humane society or other authorized receiving agency, any animal so removed and unredeemed shall become the property of the Department and disposed of under policies prescribed by the Department.
(Prior code § 98-4; Amend Coun. J. 3-14-07, p. 99838, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 12)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-090 Owner's responsibility where animal has bitten another animal or person.
7-12-090 Owner's responsibility where animal has bitten another animal or person.
(a) It shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner of any animal which has bitten any other domestic animal or person to:
(1) notify the Executive Director of such bite within 24 hours of the bite;
(2) subject to subsection (b), confine such animal under the observation of a licensed veterinarian for a period of ten days beginning within 24 hours of the biting incident. If, however, a licensed veterinarian is presented evidence that such animal has been inoculated against rabies within the time prescribed by law prior to the biting, such animal shall be confined on the premises of its owner and in a manner which shall prohibit such animal from biting any other animal or person for a period of ten days; except that, where the animal bite has caused severe injury or death to a person, confinement on the owner's premises shall not be allowed.
(b) After notification by the owner pursuant to subsection (a)(1), the Executive Director may impound, at the owner's expense, any animal that has bitten any other animal or person to make a dangerous animal investigation pursuant to Section 7-12-050(f).
(c) In the event of severe injury or death to a person, the Executive Director shall impound the animal, at the owner's expense, as set forth above in Section 7-12-050(f). It further shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner to have such animal examined by a licensed veterinarian on the first and tenth day of impoundment or confinement or as soon thereafter as possible; provided, that the impoundment or confinement of the animal described above shall not be terminated until examination by a veterinarian.
(d) If an animal is to be impounded by the Executive Director pursuant to this section, the owner shall pay a $150.00 rabies observation fee to cover the cost of housing, food, veterinary services and any other service rendered to the animal. Prior to release of said animal, vaccination and license certificates must be presented to the Executive Director or the director's authorized representative.
(e) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal that has bitten any person to sell, euthanize, inoculate, or give away the animal or to permit or allow the animal to be taken beyond the limits of the city during the time period for rabies observation and a dangerous animal investigation.
(f) The owner of any animal impounded pursuant to this section shall pay all costs incurred by the Department for the housing, care and treatment of the animal. Any person who violates any other provision of this section shall be fined not less than $300.00 nor more than $500.00 for each offense, or may be incarcerated for a term not to exceed six months, or both.. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. In addition to any fine or incarceration that may be imposed by this section, if the owner fails to make the animal available for impoundment, the animal shall become the property of the Department.
(Prior code § 98-5; Amend Coun. J. 10-2-95, p. 8604; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 4.1; Amend Coun. J. 3-31-04, p. 20916, § 3.26; Amend Coun. J. 3-14-07, p. 99838, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 13)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-100 Excessive animal noise - Prohibited.
7-12-100 Excessive animal noise - Prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person who owns, controls, has possession of or is charged with the responsibility for caring for any dog or other animal to allow such animal to make excessive noise in a manner that unnecessarily disturbs the comfort, quiet, peace or repose of any other person in the vicinity, at any time of the day or night. Any person who violates this section shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $250.00 for each offense. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
A citation for a violation of this section may be issued based on either: (1) personal observation of a violation by any city officer or employee charged with enforcement of this section; or (2) a complaint alleging a violation of this section, signed and sworn to by residents of three different addresses, and specifying the date and time of the violation.
For purposes of this section, the term "excessive noise" means any continued, repeated or habitual barking, whining, crying, howling, whimpering, crowing, or loud noise common to an animal's species that exceeds ten consecutive minutes in duration or occurs intermittently for a significant portion of the day or night, that is louder than average conversational level at a distance of 100 feet or more.
For purposes of this section, the term "any other person" means a reasonable person with ordinary sensibilities.
(Added Coun. J. 10-7-09, p. 72725, § 1)
Editor's note – Coun. J. 12-1-04, p. 36205, § 1, repealed former § 7-12-100, which pertained to animals for medical research.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-110 Transfer of City-owned animals.
7-12-110 Transfer of City-owned animals.
(a) The Department shall designate, and the Executive Director shall cause to have posted or published, the day or days of each week and the hours when City-owned animals shall be offered: (i) to the public for adoption; (ii) for foster care; or (iii) for transfer to a humane society.
(b) Any City-owned dog or cat, as necessary, shall be sterilized, vaccinated, and microchipped prior to transfer for adoption.
(c) The Executive Director shall promulgate rules regarding qualifications for adoptive owners, foster homes, and humane societies to receive animals transferred by the Department, including inoculation and enforcement of neutering and spaying requirements for all dogs and cats.
(Prior code § 98-7; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 14; Amend Coun. J. 5-25-18, p. 77747, § 5)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-115 Rabies and distemper vaccinations; spay/neuter clinics.
7-12-115 Rabies and distemper vaccinations; spay/neuter clinics.
(a) The Department and the Executive Director may establish and maintain one or more clinics for the administration of rabies and distemper vaccinations to, the sterilization of, and the implantation of microchips in cats and dogs owned by city residents.
(b) Persons who submit a dog or cat for any of the services specified in this section shall complete an application form promulgated by the Executive Director. The application shall include a consent form certifying that the applicant is the owner of the animal or is otherwise authorized to present the animal for the service. The consent form shall contain a waiver of liability of the city, the Department and the Executive Director, and any of their agents or employees, for any injury or death of an animal resulting from the services provided under this section, or other services provided incidental thereto.
(c) The Department shall impose and collect the following fees for the services specified:
(1) Sterilization surgery.....$25.00
(2) Rabies vaccination.....$15.00
(3) Microchip implantation.....$15.00
(4) Distemper vaccination.....$7.00
The fees shall be in addition to any applicable license fee.
The Department may, no more than five days per month, waive the sterilization surgery fee for residents in those areas having the highest stray populations. Residents are eligible for the fee waiver only if they present proof of residence within the designated area. The Department shall annually promulgate rules setting forth the areas with the highest stray populations.
In addition, the Department may establish, impose and collect a reasonable boarding fee upon an applicant who fails to pick up the animal at the time specified by clinic personnel.
(Added Coun. J. 11-4-98, p. 80929; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 4.1; Amend Coun. J. 5-12-10, p. 91121, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 15)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-120 Fees.
7-12-120 Fees.
The Department shall charge and collect the following fees and shall attach such additional requirements as are stated for release of animals from the animal control center:
(a) Redemption fee per animal.....$65.00
(b) Housing fee per animal, per day.....$8.00
(c) Adoption fee for:
(1) Dogs and cats.....$65.00
Or higher bid price if auctioned
(2) All other animals.....$5.00 – $30.00
Or higher bid price if auctioned
(d) Euthanasia fee - owner's request.....$10.00
In addition to the redemption and housing fees, all mandatory licensing fees shall be paid at the time of the redemption of the animal.
The Department shall promulgate regulations establishing the adoption fees for animals, other than dogs and cats, pursuant to the requirements of subsection (c)(2) of this section.
The owner of an animal impounded four or more times in a 12-month period shall not be entitled to obtain return of the animal until a hearing is held by the City and the hearing officer concludes that the owner can exercise responsible ownership and control of the animal. If the owner requests a hearing, the Department of Administrative Hearings shall appoint an administrative law officer who shall hold a hearing, at which all interested parties may present testimony and any other relevant evidence, within 15 days of the request. The hearing shall be taped or recorded by other appropriate means. If the administrative law officer concludes that the owner is entitled to return of the animal, the animal shall be returned to the owner upon payment of all applicable fees. If the administrative law officer concludes that the owner is not entitled to return of the animal, the animal shall become the property of the Department.
(Prior code § 98-7.1; Amend Coun. J. 11-30-88, p. 19542; Amend Coun. J. 11-10-94, p. 59125; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 4.1; Amend Coun. J. 7-26-06, p. 81855, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 16)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-130 Refund of spaying deposit - Exchange of animal - Department's right to repossess.
7-12-130 Refund of spaying deposit - Exchange of animal - Department's right to repossess.
Any adopter of an animal from an animal control center may exchange such animal for another of the same species and sex within 14 days from date of adoption if said animal has been examined by a veterinarian or by an authorized representative of the Executive Director and found to be physically or otherwise defective, or unadaptable to the home of the adopter, but no refund shall be made if exchange shall be declined by the adopter.
The Department shall have the right to repossess irrevocably without refund or exchange privilege, any adopted animal if the owner is in default as to licensing requirements or any other provision of this chapter.
(Prior code § 98-7.2; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 4.1; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 17)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-140 License required.
7-12-140 License required.
(a) It is the duty of the owner of each dog four months of age or older to obtain from the city a dog license for the privilege of owning such dog, unless such dog shall be temporarily within the possession of a veterinary hospital, pet shop, animal care facility, or humane society. The owner of each dog required to hold a license hereunder shall, when the dog is on the public way, either: (i) ensure the license is visible and securely attached to a collar, harness or similar device worn by the dog, or (ii) upon request by an authorized city official, make available the license for inspection. The license fee for each dog license shall be as set forth in Section 7-12-170.
(b) Upon determining that an owner has violated subsection 7-12-140(a), an authorized city official shall issue a notice of violation. The notice required by this subsection shall either be served by hand upon the person in possession of the animal at the time the violation is identified or sent by first class mail addressed to the owner at the most recent address shown on county rabies vaccination records.
(c) The penalty for any violation of subsection 7-12-140(a) shall be no less than $30.00 and no greater than $200.00. Each day that a violation continues shall be considered a separate offense to which a separate fine shall apply.
(d) The provisions of Article I of Chapter 2-14 of the Code shall apply to this section.
(Prior code § 98-8; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-01, p. 75777, § 4.2; Amend Coun. J. 2-7-07, p. 98109, §
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-150 License application forms.
7-12-150 License application forms.
(a) An application for a dog license shall be made to the City Clerk on forms or in an electronic format as prescribed by the City Clerk, and shall contain the owner's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, information sufficient to identify the dog, and any other information as may be required by the City Clerk.
As part of every dog license application, the owner shall attest to the following information for each dog for which an application has been submitted:
(1) that the dog has a current certificate of rabies inoculation that complies with Section 7-12-200;
(2) the number of the rabies inoculation certificate or tag referred to in subsection (a)(1) of this section, and the date of expiration of the rabies inoculation the dog received;
(3) the age of the dog's owner; and
(4) whether the dog has been sterilized.
(b) The City Clerk shall keep on file, for two years from date of issue, a copy, which may be an electronic copy, of each application or a copy of each license so issued on the basis of application.
(c) Any person who knowingly makes a false statement of material fact on any dog license application shall be subject to the provisions of Section 1-21-010 of the Municipal Code.
(Prior code § 98-8.1; Amend Coun. J. 6-13-07, p. 2873, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-07, p. 16793, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-08, p. 34890, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 19)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-160 Rabies inoculation certificate.
7-12-160 Rabies inoculation certificate.
Application for such license shall be made to the City Clerk. Before a license is issued, a certificate of inoculation against rabies for each dog, issued by the county rabies control officer, or by his deputy, or by a licensed veterinarian, shall be submitted to the City Clerk for examination. No license shall be issued for any dog unless such inoculation certificate bears a date within three years prior to the date of application for license or such other interval as approved by the Department of Agriculture of the State of Illinois. Such certificate shall be returned to the applicant after the current dog license number has been stamped thereon. When applying for a dog license by mail, the certificate of inoculation shall accompany the application. Said certificate shall be returned at the time the license tag is mailed to the applicant.
(Prior code § 98-8.2; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. I, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 20)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-170 License fees.
7-12-170 License fees.
(a) A dog license may be issued for either a one-year or three-year period as limited by subsection (e) of this section. The fee shall be paid at the time of the issuance of the license and shall be as follows:
| One-Year Fee | Three-Year Fee
Male or female, not sterilized | $50.00 | $150.00
Male or female, sterilized | $5.00 | $15.00
except that owners 65 years of age or older shall be charged as follows:
| One-Year Fee | Three-Year Fee
Male or female, not sterilized | $5.00 | $15.00
Male or female, sterilized | $2.50 | $7.50
(b) The fee for a replacement license shall be one- half of the original fee, or $20.00, whichever is less.
(c) No fee shall be charged for:
(1) any service dog. For purposes of this subsection a "service dog" means a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability; or
(2) any dog which is the property of any subdivision of local, state or federal government.
(d) Each dog license issued after July 1, 2008 shall expire at the end of the applicable one or three year period or on the expiration date of the certificate of inoculation that is in effect at the time the dog license is issued, whichever is earlier.
(Prior code § 98-8.3; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-01, p. 75777, § 4.3; Amend Coun. J. 7-26-06, p. 81829, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 6-13-07, p. 2873, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 6-13-07, p. 2891, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-08, p. 34890, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 26724, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 12759, § 1)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-180 Exemptions from license requirements.
7-12-180 Exemptions from license requirements.
(a) Section 7-12-140 shall not apply to dogs owned by or in the charge or care of nonresidents traveling through the City of Chicago or temporarily living therein; however, any person keeping or harboring any dog for 15 consecutive days within the city shall be considered a resident owner and shall comply with the licensing requirement.
(b) Section 7-12-140 shall not apply to any person who is properly licensed under Chapter 4-384 of this Code to engage in the business of permanent animal exhibition or properly permitted under Section 7-12-185 to operate a temporary animal exhibition.
(Prior code § 98-8.4; Amend Coun. J. 7-26-06, p. 81829, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 6-13-07, p. 2873, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 6-13-07, p. 2891, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 153)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-185 Temporary animal exhibitions - permit required.
7-12-185 Temporary animal exhibitions - permit required.
(a) For purposes of this section, the term "temporary animal exhibition" shall be defined as set forth in Section 4-384-010.
(b) No person shall operate a temporary animal exhibition without first having obtained an animal exhibition permit.
(c) An application for an animal exhibition permit shall be made on a form prescribed by the Executive Director, and shall be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee as set forth in Section 4-5-010. The application shall contain:
(1) The name and business address of the applicant and any other associated information that the Executive Director may require, including any disclosures pertaining to ownership or control of the applicant;
(2) A description of the proposed exhibition, including location, dates of operation, the species and numbers of animals included, and any animal tricks, behaviors or other activities intended as part of the exhibition;
(3) Proof of insurance with amounts and coverages set by the Executive Director, following consultation with the City's risk manager; and
(4) Such other information as the Executive Director may reasonably require.
(d) Upon being satisfied that a permit application is complete and meets the requirements of this section, and that the proposed exhibition will not endanger the public or create an imminent hazard to the health of the animals included in such exhibition, the Executive Director shall issue the permit. The permit shall be valid only for the exhibition as described on the application. If the Executive Director denies the permit, the Executive Director shall inform the applicant in writing, stating the reasons for the denial.
(e) (1) Any person found to be operating a temporary animal exhibition without the permit required by this section, or in violation of the terms of a permit issued pursuant to this section, shall be subject to a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $1,000.00 for each offense, or summary closure of the exhibition, or both a fine and summary closure. A separate violation shall be deemed to have occurred for each day of noncompliance.
(2) If the Executive Director determines that any violations are limited in scope or egregiousness such that they can be corrected by the permittee, the Executive Director may mandate that the permittee complete corrective action by a date certain, or, if summary closure is imposed, as a precondition to re- opening the exhibition. Provided, however, that summary closure of a temporary animal exhibition shall only be authorized if an inspection by the Department results in a finding of an imminent hazard to the health of animals included in such exhibition. Corrective action may be imposed in conjunction with a fine.
(f) (1) Any applicant who believes that his application for a permit is wrongfully denied, or any permittee whose exhibition has been summarily closed pursuant to this section, may file an appeal with the Department of Administrative Hearings within five business days of the date of the notice of the Executive Director's denial or the closure. If no appeal is filed within said five-day period, the Executive Director's action shall be deemed final.
Upon the filing of such appeal, the Department of Administrative Hearings shall cause a hearing to be held within five business days and based upon the evidence contained in the record of such hearing, either affirm or reverse the decision of the Executive Director.
Any final decision of the Department of Administrative Hearings shall be subject to judicial review in accordance with applicable law.
(2) If under the circumstances there is not sufficient time to file the appeal in accordance with the procedure set forth in this subsection, the decision by the Executive Director shall be deemed a final decision subject to judicial review in accordance with applicable law.
(Added Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 154; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 21)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-190 Citations.
7-12-190 Citations.
The Department, through its animal control officers, is authorized to issue citations against the owner of any animal for violations of this chapter.
(Prior code § 98-8.5; Amend Coun. J. 10-2-95, p. 8604; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 22)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-200 Rabies vaccination required.
7-12-200 Rabies vaccination required.
Each owner of any dog, cat or ferret four months of age or older shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian of the owner's choice. Evidence of vaccination shall consist of a certificate signed and dated by the veterinarian. Type and brand of vaccine used shall be as approved by the Department of Agriculture of the State of Illinois. Vaccination shall be required every three years or at such other interval as required by the Department of Agriculture of the State of Illinois.
A current certificate of vaccination issued by a veterinarian licensed to practice in any other jurisdiction establishing vaccination with a vaccine approved by the Department of Agriculture of the State of Illinois, may be accepted by the Executive Director, or for the issuance of dog licenses, by the City Clerk.
(Prior code § 98-8.6; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-01, p. 75777, § 4.4; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 4.1; Amend Coun. J. 6-13-07, p. 2873, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 23)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-210 Equine animal - License required - Fee - Display - Exemptions.
7-12-210 Equine animal - License required - Fee - Display - Exemptions.
Each owner of a horse shall pay a license fee for the privilege of keeping, stabling, or otherwise maintaining the horse within the city.
The license fee shall be $25.00 for each year or any portion thereof and shall be due on the first day of May of each year or at such later date as the horse is acquired, and shall expire on the thirtieth day of April.
A tag shall be issued in evidence of payment of the license fee, and shall be affixed to the rein or saddle whenever the horse is on a public way. The Executive Director or an animal control officer may demand proof of the license from the owner at any time or at any place when the horse is within the city.
This licensing requirement shall not apply to horses owned by, or in the charge or care of nonresidents traveling through the City of Chicago or temporarily living therein; however, any person keeping or harboring any horse for 15 consecutive days within the city shall be considered a resident owner and shall comply with all licensing requirements. A horse which is the property of any subdivision of local, state or federal government shall be issued a complimentary license.
(Prior code § 98-9; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 4.1; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 24; Amend Coun. J. 4-24-20, p. 15498, § 9)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-220 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 4-24-20, p. 15498, § 1, repealed § 7-12-220, which pertained to horse-drawn carriage – horse license required.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-230 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 4-24-20, p. 15498, § 1, repealed § 7-12-230, which pertained to horse-drawn carriage – horse identification number – violation – penalty.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-240 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 4-24-20, p. 15498, § 1, repealed § 7-12-240, which pertained to horse-drawn carriage – right to demand proof of license – exception.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-250 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 4-24-20, p. 15498, § 1, repealed § 7-12-250, which pertained to horse-drawn carriage – access for inspection.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-260 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 4-24-20, p. 15498, § 1, repealed § 7-12-260, which pertained to horse-drawn carriage – requirements for operation.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-270 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 4-24-20, p. 15498, § 1, repealed § 7-12-270, which pertained to horse-drawn carriage – violation – penalty for Sections 7-12-220 through 7-12-260.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-280 Stables to be kept clean.
7-12-280 Stables to be kept clean.
Every person in possession or control of any stable or place where any cows, horses, or other animals are kept, shall maintain it at all times in a clean and wholesome condition. Additionally, no person shall maintain any stable or barn for the housing or keeping of horses or other animals during the period of each year from April 15th to November 15th unless said barn or stable is so constructed or equipped with suitable screens as to prevent the ingress or egress of flies.
(Prior code § 98-10)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-290 Cruelty to animals - Fines.
7-12-290 Cruelty to animals - Fines.
No person shall do any of the following:
(a) Beat, torture, torment, bait, mutilate or cruelly kill any animal, or cause or knowingly allow the same to be done;
(b) Fail to provide any animal in the person’s care or custody with breed-appropriate food, water, air or sanitary shelter (including ventilation) in such a manner as to be protected from excess heat and cold and is of sufficient size to permit the animal to exercise and move about freely;
(c) Cruelly force into undue physical exertion or carry, keep, drive, overload, overwork, or cause to be carried, driven, overloaded, overworked, or kept, any animal in a cruel manner;
(d) Leave an animal unattended in a motor vehicle, trailer or other enclosure for a period of time long enough to threaten its life or health, including by subjecting the animal to inadequate air circulation or by exposure to extreme heat or cold;
(e) Failure to provide reasonably necessary medical care according to commonly accepted veterinary standards, in addition to the required rabies vaccine, and if diseased or injured or exhibiting symptoms of disease, receives proper care and is segregated from other animals so as to prevent transmittal of the disease, or which is afflicted with any painful disease or injury, including severe parasitism, unless the animal is under the care of a veterinarian;
(f) Abandon or intentionally release any animal on any public way or in any place where it may suffer or become a public charge;
(g) Stake out unattended, or leave unrestrained outside and unattended, for any amount of time, any female dog in season, or stake out any dog, regardless of sex, on private property for more than two consecutive hours; or
(h) Knowingly poison or cause to be poisoned any animal except with a written permit from the Illinois Department of Agriculture or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent the use of poisons, approved by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, for rodent or vermin control.
(i) Tether any animal outdoors between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. shall not be tethered for more than 30 minutes when* temperatures are below 45 Degrees Fahrenheit or during any associated weather advisory unless an appropriate shelter is accessible to the animal that must be just large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around, the entrance covered by a flexible wind-proofing material or self-closing door, and must contain clean, dry bedding, which must consist of an insulating material that does not retain moisture, such as straw, of sufficient depth for the dog to burrow.
* Editor’s note – As set forth in Coun. J. 3-18-26, p. 41628, § 1; intended language appears to be “Tether any animal outdoors between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. for more than 30 minutes when....” Future legislation will correct if needed.
(j) In cases where the violation of this section creates a danger to the public health and safety or to the health and welfare of an animal, the Executive Director may cause the animal to be impounded until such time that the conditions that caused the danger are corrected. If the owner fails to correct the conditions within 7 days of the impoundment of the animal, the animal shall become the property of the Department. It shall be the duty of the Executive Director to obtain the necessary legal process to allow him or her to enter or to cause to have entered any building or premises to remove and impound such animal. An animal control officer or police officer who has probable cause to believe that subsection (d) of this section is being violated shall have authority to enter a motor vehicle by any reasonable means under the circumstances after making a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person responsible.
(k) Any person who shall violate any provision herein shall be fined $5,000.00 for each offense plus forfeiture of the animal. Each day that such violation exists shall constitute a separate offense.
(Prior code § 98-11; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 4.1; Amend Coun. J. 3-14-07, p. 99838, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 29; Amend Coun. J. 3-28-18, p. 72121, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 3-18-26, p. 41628, § 1)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-300 Ban of unlicensed possession of animals for slaughter.
7-12-300 Ban of unlicensed possession of animals for slaughter.
No person shall own, keep or otherwise possess for their own food purposes, or slaughter, any animal; provided, however, that this prohibition shall not apply to edible byproducts, such as eggs or milk, produced by an animal.
Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to prohibit any properly licensed establishment from slaughtering for food purposes any animals which are specifically raised for food purposes.
Agents of the Department, police officers and humane investigators of any agency licensed by the City of Chicago and/or the Illinois Department of Agriculture for the prevention of cruelty to animals shall have the authority to confiscate any and all animals kept in violation of this ordinance. Enforcement personnel shall have the authority to enter any business premises during normal business hours where an animal or animals described in this ordinance are being housed or kept, but shall only enter domiciles or businesses during nonbusiness hours after obtaining a proper search warrant or permission to enter from the occupant or owner of such premises.
Any person found to have been in violation of this section shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00 for each offense. When a person keeps, owns or slaughters more than one animal in violation of this ordinance, the unlawful keeping, owning or slaughtering of each animal will be considered a separate offense for the purposes of this ordinance.
(Prior code § 98-11.1) (Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 11951, Art. X, § 9; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 30)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-310 Removal of injured or diseased animal from public way.
7-12-310 Removal of injured or diseased animal from public way.
Any animal which is on any public way or within any public place and which is severely injured or diseased, and for which care is not being provided on the scene or any severely injured or diseased animal that has strayed onto private premises, shall be removed, if possible, to the care of an animal control center, to the nearest humane society, or to the nearest veterinarian or veterinary hospital willing to accept them. If immediate removal shall not be possible, such animal may be destroyed by the most humane method available on the scene, unless the owner shall come forward beforehand and assume responsibility for removal and care.
Handling of any such case shall be the responsibility of the Department or, in the absence of a representative of the Department, any City of Chicago police officer, or any humane society representative duly authorized by the society to act in its behalf.
(Prior code § 98-12; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 31)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-320 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 4-24-20, p. 15498, § 1, repealed § 7-12-320, which pertained to horse-drawn carriage – removal of horse from public way.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-330 Burial of dead animals.
7-12-330 Burial of dead animals.
No person shall leave in or throw into any public way, public place or public theater, or offensively expose or bury within the city, the body or any part thereof of any dead or fatally sick or injured animal; nor shall any person keep any dead animal in a place where it may be dangerous to the life or detrimental to the health of any other animal or person; provided, however, that the owner of any dead pet weighing not more than 150 pounds may bury such animal on his premises; provided, further, that not more than one such animal shall be buried upon any half acre ground within two years, and such animal shall be placed at least three feet below the surface of the soil surrounding and adjacent to the grave.
(Prior code § 98-13)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-340 Notice to Department for removal of dead animal.
7-12-340 Notice to Department for removal of dead animal.
Every person having within his possession or control or upon any premises owned or occupied by him or her any dead animal which that person cannot, or does not intend to, bury or have buried or otherwise lawfully disposed of shall immediately give notice to the Department and the Department shall cause such animal to be removed and disposed of consistent with sound environmental standards.
(Prior code § 98-14; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 33)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-350 Dyeing baby chicks, other fowls or rabbits prohibited.
7-12-350 Dyeing baby chicks, other fowls or rabbits prohibited.
No person shall bring or cause to have brought into the city, sell, offer for sale, barter or display living baby chicks, ducklings, goslings, or other fowl or rabbits which have been dyed, colored or otherwise treated so as to impart to them an artificial color.
It shall be unlawful for any person to display, sell, offer for sale, barter or give away any chicks, ducklings, or goslings as pets, unless the purchaser shall have proper brooder facilities. It shall be unlawful for any person to give away such animals as novelties or prizes. Except that nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit legitimate commerce in poultry for agricultural and food purposes.
(Prior code § 98-15)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-360 Wild or nondomesticated animals.
7-12-360 Wild or nondomesticated animals.
Each person who shall possess, keep or maintain any wild, or nondomesticated animal, including any wild animal native to the State of Illinois, shall upon demand by the Executive Director or his authorized representative, furnish proof of compliance with such restrictions and/or permit requirements as may be imposed by statutes of the State of Illinois and/or federal law. The Executive Director or his authorized representative shall be empowered to demand surrender of any animal possessed, kept or maintained in the absence of proof of such compliance or in violation of the city ordinance relative to zoning regulation and to make whatever disposition of it as may be prescribed under Department policies.
It shall be a violation of this ordinance for any person to refuse to surrender any animal kept in noncompliance.
(Prior code § 98-16; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 34)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-365 Coyote management program.
7-12-365 Coyote management program.
The executive director shall establish and maintain a coyote management program and response guide based on research and best practices, using public education, followed by humane hazing, as primary management methods. The executive director shall professionally assess the pertinent geography to determine how humane hazing can be applied in specific instances. The executive director shall use lethal force only if a coyote has approached a human and growled, bared teeth, or lunged, or has injured or killed an escorted/on-leash pet, or has injured a human.
The executive director shall produce and provide a progress report to the City Council Committee on Health and Human Relations on or before October 15th of each year in the event of any new information regarding coyote management efforts during that year.
(Added Coun. J. 7-20-16, p. 28722, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-20-19, p. 9510, Art. II, § 11)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-370 Animal fights and contests prohibited.
7-12-370 Animal fights and contests prohibited.
No person shall promote, stage, hold, manage, conduct, or carry on any animal fight, or train any animal for the purpose of an animal fight or any other type of contest, game or fight of a similar nature, nor any simulated version of same that involves baiting or inciting an animal to fight.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section shall upon conviction thereof be punished by a fine of not less than $1,000.00 nor more than $5,000.00 for the first offense or second offense and shall be punished as a misdemeanor for each subsequent offense by incarceration in the county jail for a term not to exceed six months or by both fine and imprisonment.
(Prior code § 98-17; Amend Coun. J. 7-31-90, p. 19875; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 4.1; Amend Coun. J. 3-14-07, p. 99838, § 1)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-375 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 2-7-07, p. 98109, § 4, repealed § 7-12-375, which pertained to license requirement for animal care.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-380 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 5-9-07, p. 104624, § 3, repealed § 7-12-380, which pertained to snakehead fish.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-385 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 5-9-07, p. 104624, § 3, repealed § 7-12-385, which pertained to restrictions on live Asian carp.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-387 Restrictions on pigeons.
7-12-387 Restrictions on pigeons.
(a) For purposes of this section only the following definition applies:
"Pigeon" means any live bird of the Family Columbidae.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to import, sell, own, keep or otherwise possess any live pigeon within any area designated as a residence district under the Chicago Zoning Ordinance. Nothing in this subsection prohibits any person from transporting a live pigeon through a residential district, if the pigeon is caged during transport and not released in a residential district.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to construct or maintain any coop or cote that is, or may be used for the storage, maintenance or sheltering of any live pigeon within any area designated as a residence district under the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.
(d) The provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall not apply to the keeping of pigeons as part of an exhibit at either Lincoln Park Zoo or the zoo at Indian Boundary Park.
(e) Violation of any portion of this section shall constitute a public nuisance, which may be abated pursuant to the procedures described in section 7-28-010. In addition to any fine or penalty, an amount equal to three times the cost or expense incurred by the city in abating a nuisance may be recovered in an appropriate action instituted by the corporation counsel.
(f) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $1,000.00 or may be incarcerated for a period not to exceed six months, or both. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
(g) [Reserved.]
(Added Coun. J. 9-4-03, p. 6975, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 5-5-04, p. 22691, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 5-26-04, p. 24838, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-3-04, p. 35125, § 1)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-390 Transfer of animals - Records.
7-12-390 Transfer of animals - Records.
The Department may require persons who sell, transfer ownership of, give away, or otherwise dispose of animals, or of specified species of animals, to maintain records of such transactions, including information descriptive of the animals and identity and location of the recipients. The Department shall prescribe the length of time such records shall be kept on file by the preparer and shall be permitted access to the records upon demand.
(Added Coun. J. 6-13-07, p. 2873, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 35)
Editor's note – Coun. J. 4-16-97, p. 42591 § 3, amended and redesignated former § 7-12-390 as § 4-5-010(4a).
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-395 Enforcement.
7-12-395 Enforcement.
The Executive Director, or the Executive Director's designees, and the Department of Police are authorized to take action necessary for the effective enforcement of this chapter, including the issuance of citations.
(Added Coun. J. 7-26-06, p. 81829, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 2-7-07, p. 98109, § 4; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 36)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-400 Rules and regulations and inspections.
7-12-400 Rules and regulations and inspections.
The Department shall have the authority to establish and enforce rules and regulations relating to any matter pertaining to the administration, implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.
The Department may conduct, or cause to be conducted by an animal control officer or authorized representative, such inspections as are necessary to insure compliance with all applicable ordinances, statutes, and laws of local, state and federal governments and compliance with Department rules.
(Prior code § 98-18.2; Amend Coun. J. 7-26-06, p. 81829, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 2-7-07, p. 98109, § 4; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 37)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-410 Reserved. Editor's note – Coun. J. 2-7-07, p. 98109, § 4, repealed § 7-12-410, which pertained to license revocation.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-420 Removal of excrement.
7-12-420 Removal of excrement.
No person shall appear with a pet upon the public ways or within public places or upon the property of another, absent that person's consent, without some means for the removal of excrement; nor shall any person fail to remove any excrement deposited by such pet. This section shall not apply to a blind person while walking his or her guide dog.
Any person found to have been in violation of this section shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00 for each offense.
(Prior code § 98-19; Amend Coun. J. 5-14-97, p. 44296)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 7-12-430 Violation - Penalty.
7-12-430 Violation - Penalty.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter for which no specific penalty is provided, shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $200.00 for each offense.
(Prior code § 98-20; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 4.1)
Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2640206Fetched: 10/24/2026