Can You Have Horses In Illinois?

Currently, more than 77,000 people in Illinois are horse owners and as the number continues to rise, fences and stables are popping up all over the state. Many people move into the country and buy five acres or so because they have always dreamed of having horses. then search for the perfect horse.

Can you own a horse in Chicago?

It is legal to keep a horse in the City of Chicago as long as the animals are licensed and receive proper care.”

What exotic pets are legal in Illinois?

There are no state requirements for a person possessing other exotic species not defined as “dangerous animals.” As you’ll see, Illinois doesn’t leave a lot of wiggle room on what you can have for pets. Weirdly enough, if you’ve just gotta have a few snapping turtles for companionship, you can have up to four of them.

Can you own emus in Illinois?

In most cases it is illegal to keep wildlife as a pet in Illinois. This is because most wildlife in Illinois are protected by the Wildlife Code, and they cannot be kept in captivity without a permit.

Can horses be considered pets?

According the ASPCA, the category of companion animal includes dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, ferrets, birds, guinea pigs and select other small mammals, small reptiles and fish. Where they may be kept legally and responsibly, domestic-bred farm animals can also be maintained as companions.

How many acres do you need for a horse in Illinois?

Generally speaking, a horse needs between one and two acres of good, well-managed pasture to get enough forage.

Are horses street legal in Illinois?

Horses have Road Rights according to 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-206. “Persons riding an animal or driving any animal-drawn vehicle upon a roadway shall be granted all the rights and shall be subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle.” This same type of law applies to all bicycle riders.

How many animals can you own in Illinois?

There’s no statewide law in Illinois that limits the number of dogs you can have, but individual cities have their own restrictions. Urban areas tend to tap out at a max of 4 dogs per household, though some have rules about the total number of domesticated animals in the house including cats.

Can I own a fox in Illinois?

To put it simply: yes, foxes are legal in Illinois. Note: A fur-bearing mammal breeder permit is required to own a fox. However, a permit is not needed to own a fennec fox (Vulpes zerda).

What animals do you need a permit to own in Illinois?

Bears. Felines: lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi. Canines: Wolf, coyote.

Can you own a bobcat in Illinois?

It is illegal to own a bobcat in Illinois but you can hunt them. It is legal to own a savannah cat. Issues Wild Animal Possession Permits. Permits are for one year only, must be renewed annually.

Can you have goats in Illinois?

Goats entering Illinois for breeding, exhibition or feeding purposes, except goats consigned directly to a livestock auction market, shall be accompanied by an entry permit issued by the Department and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection showing individual approved identification.

Are pigs legal in Illinois?

There is no state or federal law requiring pet pigs to be registered or owners to be licensed.

Can a horse live in a backyard?

Horses should be housed in an appropriate housing structure no closer than 40 feet from any property line and 100 feet from a principal structure of a neighboring property. Necessary property. A minimum of 80,000 square feet of area shall be provided for the maintenance and keeping of a horse.

Why are horses not pets?

Being classified as a pet would require horses to fall under regulations that are in place for companion pets such as dogs and cats. While horses can be great companions and provide emotional support for their owners, horses are very different from a typical companion animal.

Can horses be kept alone?

Some horses thrive living alone but others are anxious or depressed without an equine companion. Keeping a horse alone can be challenging, but remember, a busy horse is a happy horse.

Can you keep a horse on 1 acre?

With excellent management, one horse can live on as little as one mud-free acre. However, keep in mind that a single horse will chew through 27 acres of pasture per year or that equivalent in hay.

How many horses can you own per acre in Illinois?

A maximum of three (3) horses may be maintained on a two (2) acre parcel.

Can you keep a horse on 2 acres?

Generally speaking, 2 acres is the smallest amount of land on which you can keep horses for both practical reasons and for reasons surrounding zoning. Factor in the size and orientation of the house, barn, and other outbuildings, and some properties might be more user friendly than others.

Do you need permission to have horses on your land?

The short answer is yes. Planning permission will be required where there is a ‘material change’ in the use of the land from agriculture to the keeping of horses for leisure purposes.

Do you have to stop for horses on the road?

If you do spot a horse: Slow right down and be ready to stop. Give them a wide berth – at least a car’s width – and pass slowly. Avoid any actions likely to spook the horse such as splashing them with puddles, sounding your horn or revving your engine.