Frequently Asked Questions
Animal Control Ordinance with Leash Laws
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Can my dog run loose?
No, it is unlawful to allow your dog to run loose. All dogs
must be leashed and kept under control when not properly
contained. It is also unsafe for the dog as it could get hit
by a car, lost or stolen, or get in a fight with another
dog. Violators may receive a notice, written warning or
citation, which is a class one misdemeanor with a maximum
$2500 fine, 6 months in jail, or both. (see Mesa City Code
6-4-7, Dog at Large).
Can my cat run loose?
There are no laws regarding cats. They are allowed to roam,
but be aware they may face dangers if allowed to run free.
They may get taken by a coyote, hit by a car, be poisoned
either intentionally or unintentionally, be trapped, or be
exposed to harmful diseases such as feline leukemia, feline
immunodeficiency, or rabies. The life expectancy of an
indoor cat is three times that of an outdoor cat.
How many horses can I have?
You must have 35,000 sq. ft. of land in order to have
livestock. The number of livestock allowed will be based on
animal points and land points. (See Mesa City Code
8-6-21.B.).
What is livestock?
Animals such as horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys,
and mules are livestock. Mesa also considers buffalo,
llamas, and large flightless birds such as emus, ostriches,
rheas, and cassowaries as livestock.
Can I have a pig in Mesa?
Pigs are allowed only if kept by a student participating in
an approved agricultural education program such as FFA or
4-H. Miniature pigs, kept as personal pets, are limited to
no more than two such pigs on one land parcel. (See Mesa
City Code 8-6-21.K.).
Are chickens allowed in Mesa? How
about roosters?
You may have up to 10 chickens on the first one-half acre or
less provided any enclosure is at least 40 feet from any
neighboring residence, any coop is at least 75 feet from any
other residence, it is kept sanitary and they are not
allowed to run loose or create a noise disturbance. A
rooster is also allowed as long as it does not violate any
of the above regulations. (See Mesa City Code 8-6-21.A, G,
H, and I).