Local Ordinances

Ordinance name Citationsort descending Summary
CA - Los Angeles County - Title 10. Animals Sections 10.04.010 to 10.90.010

Title 10 comprises the animal law ordinances for Los Angeles County, California. Chapter 10.08 contains definitions; Chapters 10.12 and 10.16 are the laws pertaining to the Department of Animal Care and Control and its volunteer program. Chapter 10.20 outlines licensing, vaccinations, spaying and neutering requirements for dogs and cats. Chapter 10.32 prohibits animals running at large, and 10.36 contains impoundment procedures. Chapter 10.37 deals with dangerous dogs. Chapter 10.52 contains the laws regarding stockyards and hog ranches. The importation of animals is covered in Chapter 10.56. Tuberculosis and quarantine laws are found in Chapters 10.60 and 10.64. Title 10 also covers sanitation (10.68), animal disease reports (10.72), apiaries (10.76), dogs in open vehicles (10.80), feeding of predators (10.84), interference with police dogs (10.86), and fees (10.90).

WA - King County - IV. MANDATORY SPAY AND NEUTER PROGRAM Sections 11.04.400 to 11.04.580

This part of the King County, Washington animal control ordinance states that no person shall own or harbor any cat or dog over the age of six months that has not been spayed or neutered unless the person holds an unaltered animal license for the animal pursuant to K.C.C. 11.04.030 (except for guide dog puppies and police service dogs). The animal care and control authority shall develop and implement a twelve-month program to canvass for compliance with the licensing requirements of this chapter.

WA - Selah - Breed - 5.07.080 Pit bull dogs prohibited. SELAH, WA., MUNICIPAL CODE § 5.01.125, 5.01.127, 5.01.40, 5.01.50, 5.07.080 - 5.07.127 (2004)

In Selah, Washington, it is unlawful to keep, harbor, own, or possess a pit bull dog, with an exception for pit bulls licensed prior to the ordinance. Such dogs are subject to certain requirements regarding confinement, use of an orange collar, leash and muzzle, the posting of"Beware of Dog" signs, and the maintenance of liability insurance. Such dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and be photographed and micro-chipped for identification purposes. An owner who fails to comply may have his pit bull dog confiscated and impounded.  Violations of r constitute a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.

TN - Selmer - Breed - Chapter 3. Pit Bulls. SELMER, TN., MUNICIPAL CODE § 10-301 to 306 (2008)

In Selmer, Tennessee, it is unlawful to keep, harbor, own, exercise control over, maintain, transport, sell, or possess a pit bull dog. Any person owning such dogs at the time this chapter was adopted had 90 days to comply. The police may seize and impound any pit bull dog within the corporate limits of Selmer. A violation may result in a fine of $50.

AR - Sherwood - Breed - Pit Bull Ordinance No. 1776 SHERWOOD, AR., CITY ORDINANCE No. 1776 (2008)

In Sherwood, Arkansas, it is unlawful to keep, harbor, own or possess any pit bull dog, with the exception for those who are registered and reside in an area that is annexed into corporate city limits. However, if a pit bull is aggressive towards people or other dogs, the dog is not exempt from the ban. Registration requirements include: annual vaccinations, license, microchips, photo ID, insurance, proper confinement, 'Beware of Dog' signs, and mandatory disclosures.  Any dog found to be the subject of a violation shall be subject to immediate seizure and impoundment or may be euthanized. The owner may be fined up to $1,000 and  imprisoned for up to 30 days.

IA - Sioux City - Breed - Chapter 7.10 PIT BULLS PROHIBITED SIOUX CITY, IA., MUNICIPAL CODE, §§ 7.10.010 - 7.10.050 (2009)

The City of Sioux City, Iowa makes it unlawful to own, transport, or sell any pit bull, with exceptions.  Pit bulls currently and continuously registered, licensed, properly confined and cared for are exempt from the ban, but a failure to maintain its status immediately removes its exemption. The poundmaster is authorized to immediately impound any pit bull that does not fall within one of the exceptions and is mandated to destroy the pit bull within ten calendar days.

WI - Somerset - Breed - Sec. 7-1-9. Wild, exotic and dangerous animals; pit bull dogs. SOMERSET, WI., CODE OF ORDINANCES § 7-1-9 (2000)

It is unlawful to keep, harbor, own or possess any pit bull dog in Somerset Wisconsin, with exceptions for dogs registered prior to the effective date of the pit bull ban. Such dogs are subject to certain requirements, such as proper confinement or the use of a leash and muzzle, posting “Beware of Dog” signs, and keeping $50,000 liability insurance. Puppies born to such dogs must be removed from the city after 6 weeks.

VT - South Burlington - Backyard Chicken Ordinance South Burlington, Vermont Code of Ordinances, South Burlington Backyard Chicken Ordinance, §§ 100 - 115.

The purpose of this South Burlington, Vermont ordinance is to provide standards for keeping no more than 6 noncommercial, domesticated female chickens in a lot and to ensure that the domesticated chickens do not adversely impact surrounding neighborhood properties. To do so, the city of South Burlington requires a person to obtain an annual permit and to demonstrate compliance with the criteria and standards listed in this ordinance. A violation of this ordinance will result in a $25 fine and may result in a permit revocation; a violation of this ordinance also provides grounds for removing chickens and chicken-related structures from a lot.

WI - South Milwaukee - Vicious dog - § 23.20 REGULATING VICIOUS DOGS. SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WI., MUNICIPAL CODE § 23.20 In 2017, the City of South Milwaukee amended its section on "vicious dogs" to remove the prohibition on the keeping of dogs described as "pit bull dogs." This ban was repealed on June 27, 2017.
KS - Spring Hill - Breed - 2-402. PROHIBITED ANIMALS - GENERALLY (Pit Bull Ordinance) SPRING HILL, KS., CITY CODE §§ 2-401 - 2-404 (2008)

Spring Hill, Kansas, considers pit bull dogs to be inherently dangerous and makes it unlawful to keep, harbor, own or possess any pit bull dog. Any dog in violation may be immediately seized and impounded. even killed if necessary. A violation may result in a $500 - $2,000 fine and imprisonment for up to 179 days. The dog will also have to be removed from the city.

MO - Springfield - Breed - Prohibition of pit bull dogs. SPRINGFIELD, MO., CODE OF ORDINANCES §§ 18-95 - 18-98 (2011)

In Springfield, Missouri, it is unlawful to own, possess, keep, exercise control over, maintain, harbor, transport, or sell any pit bull, with exceptions made for animal shelters, dog shows, dog groomers, and registered dogs. The owner must sterilize the dog, keep it properly confined, and post “Pit Bull Dog” signs. Failure to comply could result in impoundment and destruction of the dog.

WI - St. Francis - Breed - § 180-5 Dangerous and Vicious Dogs ST. FRANCIS, WI., MUNICIPAL CODE § 180-5 (2008)

In St. Francis, Wisconsin, no person may harbor, keep or maintain any pit bull that was not registered and licensed by October 1, 2001. Any person having knowledge that another has an unregistered pit bull must file a sworn affidavit with the Municipal Court Clerk. Owners of pit bulls that are allowed must comply with all provisions applicable to dangerous dogs, such as securely confining the dog, displaying a dangerous dog sign, and if off of the premises, keep the dog muzzled and on a leash. A violation may result in impoundment of the dog, as well as a forfeiture of up to $1,000.

KS - Sterling - Breed - Pit Bull Ordinance (2-113. Prohibited owning; exemptions) STERLING, KS., CITY CODE § 2-113

In Sterling, Kansas, it is unlawful to keep, harbor, own or in any way possess any "Rottweiler" dog or "Pit Bull" dog. Pit Bulls include the Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, or any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of these breeds or a combination of any of these breeds.

GA - Banks County - Chapter 14 (Article 3: Domestic Animals) & Appendix A: Zoning The Code of Banks County, Georgia §§ 14-33, 14-34, 301, 501-503, 601-603, 701(A)-703(A), 701(B)-703(B)

In Banks County, Georgia, the number of dogs a person may own depends on the zone in which the person's property is located. The following ordinances indicate the zones and the numbers, as well as provide additional restrictions on dogs located within certain zones.

DE - Newark - Chapter 5: Animals (Article II: Horses) The Code of the City of Newark, 1970 §§ 6.12.010 - 6.12.100 5-19 to 5-21

In Newark, Delaware, a person is prohibited from riding, driving, or leading a horse on the city's sidewalks, but may ride a horse on a city street's bicycle path. Additionally, a person is prohibited from riding, driving, or leading a horse in a reckless, disorderly, or careless manner through or over any of the streets or private property in the city. Penalties for violating these provisions are provided.

MA - Cambridge - Title 6: Animals (Chapter 6.12: Care and Use of Laboratory Animals) The Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge §§ 6.12.010 - 6.12.100

In Cambridge, Massachusetts, research institutions that perform experiments on animals must do so in conformity with all federal, state and local statutes, ordinances and regulations, as well as maintain or establish an autonomous animal care and use committee with the power to disapprove or restrict research, experiments or regarding the care and use of laboratory animals. This ordinance also establishes a Commissioner of Laboratory Animals (CLA) for the purpose of overseeing research institutions and their committees. Penalties for violating these provisions are also provided.

PA - Philadelphia - Chapter 10-100 Animals (Stables, Horse Ownership, Sale of Horsemeat - Secs. 10-107 - 10-108.2.) The Philadelphia Code, Chapter 10-100: Animals §§ 10-107 - 10-108.2

These Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ordinances require a person to obtain a license for operating a commercial stable; for renting a horse; for operating a horse drawn carriage, and for owning a horse in general. Not only do these ordinances provide information on how to obtain these licenses, but they also include horse care standards for each respective license. Penalties for violating these provisions and a prohibition on the sale of horse meat for human consumption are also included.

NV - Washoe County - Chapter 55: Animals and Fowl (Sections 55.110; 55.390 - 55.450) The Washoe County Code, Chapter 55: Animals and Fowl, §§ 55.110, 55.390 - 55.450 (2012)

These Washoe County, Nevada ordinances prohibit any person from keeping an animal unless the area in which the animal lives is kept clean and free of offensive odors and animal wastes. Additionally, these ordinances also require that any person who wishes to keep more than 3 adult dogs or 7 adult cats obtain a permit; permit requirement, exemption, and revocation or suspension provisions are also included, as are the penalties for violating these provisions.

CA - San Mateo - Title 6 - ANIMALS Title 6 - ANIMALS, Sections 6.04.010 to 6.20.160

These are the ordinances in San Mateo, California that deal with animals. The laws regulate animal control, exotic animals, spaying, neutering, and breeding, kennels, catteries, and animal fanciers permits.

CA - Santa Cruz County - Santa Cruz County Code. Title 6. Animals. Title 6. Sections 6.04 to 6.24.090

This comprises Santa Cruz County's animal-related ordinances. Santa Cruz County has a mandatory sterilization ordinance, which states that a dog or cat over the age of 6 months must be spayed or neutered unless such person holds an unaltered animal certification for the animal (excepting law enforcement dogs, service dogs, dogs or cats with health problems that prevent sterilization, herding dogs, or dogs or cats boarded in a business for training or resale). The code also has a section on feral cats, defined as felines that are wild by nature or no longer domesticated. It is unlawful for a person to intentionally provide food, water, or other forms of sustenance to a feral cat colony unless that person has registered with the county, and complies with the requirements (e.g., regularly trapping the cats for sterilization, testing trapped cats for feline leukemia, "ear tipping" for identification, rabies vaccination, and regularly feeding the colony even on holidays and weekends). Other provisions of note include a prohibition on "noisy animals" (one that habitually howls, yells, barks or makes other noise that unreasonably disturbs); a prohibition on the keeping of any "wild species" as defined by Section 2118 of the Cal. Fish & Game Code; and a leash/tether/grasp requirement when a dog is off its owner's premises.

TN - Nashville - Title 8 - ANIMALS Title 8 - ANIMALS

These are the animal ordinances for the Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee. These laws include dog laws (including vicious dogs), wildlife and animal control regulations. 

AZ - Tucson - Chapter 4: Animals and Fowl (Article 1: In General § 4-3) Tucson Code § 4-3

This Tucson ordinance makes it a misdemeanor to commit a crime of cruelty or neglect on an animal. Anyone found guilty of committing a crime of neglect of cruelty faces fines between $100 to $2,500, up to 6 months in jail or 3 years on probation, restitution for the victim, and may not be able to own or control an animal for up to 3 years.

KS - Ulysses - Breed - ARTICLE 3. PIT BULL DOGS ULYSSES, KS., CITY CODE §§ 2-301 - 2-302

In Ulysses, it is unlawful to keep, harbor, own or possess any pit bull dog, with exceptions.  Pit bull dogs registered with the city as of July 19, 1989 may be kept subject to certain requirements, such as use of a leash and muzzle if outside, confinement, “Beware of Dog” signs, $50,000 insurance, and identification photographs. It is prohibited to sell or give a pit bull away except in limited circumstances. All pit bull puppies born in the city must be removed within six weeks of birth. Failure to comply may result in seizure of the dog, a fine of $200 to $1,000, and imprisonment up to 30 days.

AK - Unalaska - Title 12: Animal Control (Chapter: 12.04: Animal Control) Unalaska Code of Ordinances §§ 12.04.020, 12.04.150, 12.04.160 Under this Unalaska, Alaska ordinance, a person who owns a seeing-eye dog, a hearing aid dog, or other aid dog is exempt from the license fees. Furthermore, this ordinance exempts such dogs from provisions that prohibit animals from entering certain places as long as the owner carries proper documentation certified by a recognized aid dog institution.
VA - Virginia Beach - Chapter 1 General Provisions and Chapter 5: Animals and Fowl (ARTICLE V: ANIMAL WELFARE. DIVISION 3: PROHIBITED ACTS) Virginia Beach City Code §§ 1-9, 5-540

Under this Virginia Beach ordinance, if a person knows or has reason to believe a dog is a guide dog or a leader dog and that person, without just cause, willfully impedes or interferes with said dog, then that person is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and is subject to fines not to exceed more than $500. However, if a person knows or has reason to believe a dog is a guide dog or a leader dog and that person, without just cause, willfully injures said dog, then that person is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor and is subject to fines not to exceed more than $2,500.

OH - Warrensville Heights - Breed - 505.20 Pit Bull Terriers. WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH., CODIFIED ORDINANCES § 505.20 (1987)

In Warrensville Heights, Ohio, no person may own, keep or harbor a pit bull terrier, defined as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, an American Staffordshire Terrier, or any mixture. No exceptions are made,

MI - Waterford - Breed - ARTICLE III. PIT BULL TERRIERS AND EXOTIC ANIMALS WATERFORD, MI., CODE OF ORDINANCES, Art. III, §§ 3-021 - 3-027 It shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess or maintain, within the Township, any pit bull terrier, as defined herein. The city has comprehensive guidelines for identification as a "pit bull" including appendixes that provide guidance on breed characteristics. Violation of this Section is a civil infraction.
OH - Wooster - Breed - 505.14 Dangerous and vicious animals. WOOSTER, OH., CODIFIED ORDINANCES § 505.14 (2000)

In Wooster, Ohio, no person may possess, harbor or keep a vicious animal, which includes any Pit Bull dog. A violation is a misdemeanor of the first degree. The dog or other vicious animal may be removed from the City or be humanely destroyed.

OH - Youngstown - Breed - 505.191 Prohibition of Pit Bull Terriers. YOUNGSTOWN, OH., CODIFIED ORDINANCES § 505.191 (2007)

In Youngstown, Ohio, no person may own, keep, harbor or possess a Pit Bull Terrier, with an exception for dogs previously registered. However, such dogs must be kept in compliance with mandatory requirements, such as being properly confined or kept on a leash with a muzzle. The owner must also post a "Beware of Dog” sign and keep liability insurance. A violation is a misdemeanor and may result in the dog being impounded and humanely destroyed.

WA - Gold Bar - § Sec. 6.02.019 Foster care or rescue or placement. § 6.02.019 This municipal code provides the provisions for foster care or rescue placement program for dogs and cats. The code requires the shelter to maintain records. The code also limits the length of fostering and the number of dogs and cats that an individual may foster at one time.

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