Can I keep chickens, bees, or livestock on my property?

Backyard hens & livestock — Scugog, Ontario: Prohibited Animals By-law 13-15

In the Township of Scugog, Ontario, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Prohibited Animals By-law 13-15, verified 2026-09-25. Livestock rule: Livestock prohibited except in a Rural Area Zone. Permit or licence: Prohibited Animal License required; fee per Fees and Charges By-law. Setback: 310 metres from any and all dwellings on any and all other lot or lots.

Prohibited Animals By-law 13-15 adopted bylaw

hens permitted	no	Schedule "A": AVES restricted ALL; exception only for birds as livestock in Rural Area Zone or household pets
bees permitted	no	Schedule "A": INSECTA exception: "Apoidea of the honeybee variety on properties in a Rural Area Zone"
livestock rule	Livestock prohibited except in a Rural Area Zone.	s. 2.3: "No Person shall keep, harbour, maintain, or possess any Livestock other than in a Rural Area Zone."
permit or licence	Prohibited Animal License required; fee per Fees and Charges By-law	s. 5.3: "fee payable for a Prohibited Animal License shall be in accordance with the 'Fees and Charges By-law'"
setback	310 metres from any and all dwellings on any and all other lot or lots	s. 6.1(g): "kept at least three hundred and ten (310) meters from any and all dwellings on any and all other lot or lots"

scout note

Bans keeping 'Livestock' - defined to include domestic fowl (chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys), rabbits (over 3), ferrets/chinchillas (over 2), and other farm animals - anywhere outside a Rural Area Zone. Honeybees are likewise restricted to properties in a Rural Area Zone; pigeons/doves kept as household pets are exempt.