AK - Ordinances - § 03.55.070. Power of village council to control dogs |
AS § 03.55.070 |
This Alaska statute enables a village council the power to destroy loose dogs in the village and otherwise control dogs to the extent authorized first class cities. The council may impose and enforce the provisions of a dog control ordinance in the total area within 20 miles of the village. |
AL - Impound - Maintenance of pound; notice of impoundment; adoption of animals. |
Ala. Code 1975 § 3-7A-7 |
This Alabama statute provides that it is the duty of each and every county in the state to provide a suitable county pound and impounding officer for the impoundment of dogs, cats, and ferrets found running at large in violation of the provisions of this chapter. When dogs and cats are impounded and if the owner thereof is known, such owner shall be given direct notice of the impoundment of said animal or animals belonging to him; or the impounding officer may make said animal or animals available for adoption after a period of not less than seven days. |
AL - Ordinances - Article 4. General Police Powers |
Ala. Code 1975 § 11-47-110, 117, 118 |
This set of statutes authorizes all cities and towns to enact local ordinances to prevent dangerous, unwholesome, or offensive conditions and to abate public nuisances. |
AL - Ordinances - Article 5. Powers as to Health, Sanitation, and Quarantine |
Ala. Code 1975 § 11-47-130 to 132 |
This set of laws authorizes all cities and towns to regulate animals and animal related conditions that pose a threat to the public health. |
AL - Ordinances - Section 11-3A-2. Powers for Public Welfare, Health, and Safety; Authorization; Scope. |
Ala. Code 1975 § 11-3A-2 |
This statute authorizes each county commission to enact ordinances for the control of animals and animal nuisances. |
AL - Public Nuisances - Chapter 10. Nuisances Menacing Public Health |
Ala. Code 1975 § 22-10-1 to 3 |
This set of laws lists various animal-related actions and conditions that are considered nuisances per se because of their significant public health risks. In addition, it addresses the methods by which such nuisances may be abated, up to and including the destruction of property without compensation. |
AR - Ordinances - § 14-16-701. River and improvement district |
A.C.A. § 14-16-701 |
This Arkansas statute provides that, upon the written request of the governing body of a suburban improvement district (as defined by statute), a county may by ordinance control and regulate dogs and cats within all or any part of the suburban improvement district. This statute does not elaborate on the confines of such ordinances, so it is assumed the subject matter is constrained only through preemption. |
AR - Ordinances - § 14-54-1102. Dogs running astray. |
A.C.A. § 14-54-1102 |
This Arkansas statute provides that municipal corporations have the power to prevent the running at large of dogs and the injuries and annoyances associated with them. Further, this statute allows municipalities to authorize the destruction or impoundment of dogs if found in violation of ordinance. However, prior to destroying the dog, the municipality shall give the dog's owner at least five (5) days' notice of the date of the proposed destruction of the dog by certified mail if the dog carries the owner's address. |
AZ - Dog Ordinances - Powers and duties of board of supervisors (dogs/animals) |
A. R. S. § 11-1005 |
This Arizona statute provides that each county board of supervisors may regulate dogs, including the designation of a county enforcement agent, contracting with any city or town to enforce the provisions of any ordinance enacted by such city or town for the control of dogs, and for the unincorporated areas of the county, by ordinance, regulate, restrain and prohibit the running at large of dogs and the excessive and unrestrained barking of dogs. They may also establish either civil or criminal penalties for violations of the above ordinances and establish a rabies quarantine zone. |
AZ - License and Vaccination Ordinances - Exemption of cities, towns and counties (dogs/animals) |
A. R. S. § 11-1018 |
This Arizona statute exempts cities or towns from the provisions of this article if they impose a license fee and vaccination on dogs by ordinance, provided that such ordinance is equal to or more stringent than the provisions of this article. Further, the provisions of this article shall not apply to counties which regulate the running at large of dogs in the unincorporated areas of the county by ordinance provided that such ordinance is equal to or more stringent than the provisions of this article.
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AZ - Municipalities - Dog Regulations |
A.R.S. § 9-240 |
This Arizona statute allows common councils to regulate dogs running at large. |
AZ - Ordinances - Article 2. Board of Trustees Government After Disincorporation. |
A. R. S. § 9-219 (repealed 2017) |
§§ 9-211 to 9-226. Repealed by Laws 2016, Ch. 62, § 9, eff. Jan. 1, 2017 (related to powers of the board of trustees) |
CA - Ordinances - Local regulations |
West's Ann. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7582.5 |
This California statute provides great deference to local municipalities by providing that regulations governing local municipalities shall not infringe upon the police powers of those local units to regulate dogs. Specifically, it states that this chapter shall not prevent the local authorities in any city, county, or city and county, by ordinance and within the exercise of the police power of the city, county, or city and county from imposing reasonable additional requirements necessary to regulate and control protection dogs according to their local needs and not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter. |
CA - Ordinances - Regulation and control of dogs; maintenance of pound and rabies control programs; vaccination clinics; issuanc |
West's Ann. Cal. Health & Safety Code §121690 |
This California statute provides that, in rabies areas, every owner of dogs older than four months shall get a new dog license at least once every two years as provided by ordinance of the responsible city, city and county, or county. Also, every dog owner shall, at intervals of time not more often than once a year, vaccinate his or her dog against rabies. Any dog in violation of this chapter and any additional provisions that may be prescribed by any local governing body shall be impounded, as provided by local ordinance. |
CO - Impoundment - Article 15. Regulation Under Police Power. |
C. R. S. A. § 30-15-104 |
This Colorado statute immunizes the board of county commissioners or other local governing entity from liability associated with the impoundment of pet animals. Specifically, it states the board or anyone authorized to enforce a local ordinance shall not be held responsible for any accident or subsequent disease that may occur to the animal in connection with the administration of the resolution or ordinance. |
CO - Ordinances - Animal control officers--Article 15. Regulation Under Police Power. |
C. R. S. A. § 30-15-105 |
This Colorado statute provides that personnel engaged in animal control may issue citations or summonses and complaints enforcing the county dog control resolution or any other county resolution concerning the control of pet animals or municipal ordinance. Officers assigned to this capacity may be referred to as "peace officers." |
CO - Ordinances - Pet animal control and licensing |
C. R. S. A. § 30-15-101 |
This Colorado statute states that the board of county commissioners of any county may adopt a resolution for the control and licensing of dogs. These regulations may require licensing of dogs by owners, require that dogs and other pet animals be under control at all times and define "control," define "vicious dog" and "vicious animal," establish a dog pound, or other animal holding facility, provide for the impoundment of animals which are vicious, not under control, or otherwise not in conformity with the resolutions, and establish such other reasonable regulations and restrictions for the control of dogs and other pet animals. |
CT - Feral Cats - § 22-339d. Municipal control of feral cats |
C.G.S.A. § 22-339d |
This Connecticut statute permits municipalities to adopt ordinances requiring registration of feral cat "keepers," defined as anyone who harbors or regularly feeds a feral cat. If a municipality enacts such an ordinance, the ordinance must require the keeper to sterilize the cat and have it vaccinated against rabies. The statute also enables municipalities to adopt ordinances holding cat owners and keepers responsible if their cats cause significant property damage or severe health violations. |
CT - Municipalities - Power to Regulate |
C. G. S. A. § 7-148 |
This Connecticut statute allows municipalities to prohibit dogs running at large and to prevet animal cruelty; this statute also prohibts municipalities from adopting breed specific legislation. |
DC - Municipalities - § 1-303.41. Regulations for the keeping, leashing, and running at large of dogs. |
DC ST § 1-303.41 |
The following District of Columbia statute allows the council to make and the mayor to enforce regulations regarding leashing dogs in DC. |
FL - Dangerous Dog - CHAPTER 767. DAMAGE BY DOGS. |
West's F. S. A. § 767.14 |
This Florida statute provides that nothing in the dangerous dog act limits the ability of local governments from enacting restrictions on dangerous dogs more severe than the state law, as long as the regulations are not breed-specific. |
FL - Ordinances - Interpretation of Dog Ordinances under Dangerous Dogs |
West's F. S. A. § 767.07 |
This Florida statute provides that the statutory section relating to state regulation of dangerous dogs is supplemental to all other state laws affecting dogs and shall not be construed to modify those laws or to prevent municipalities from prohibiting, licensing, or regulating the running at large of dogs within their respective limits by law or ordinance. |
GA - Ordinances - Jurisdiction and duties of local governments |
Ga. Code Ann., § 4-8-22 |
This Georgia statute provides authority for local governing units to enforce this article. This statute further establishes that the local government shall designate an individual as a dog control officer to aid in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this article; the dog control officer does not have the authority to make arrests unless the person is a law enforcement officer. Additionally, this article also allows local governments to make arrangements with each other for consolidation of dog control services. |
IA - Ordinances - 331.381. Duties relating to services |
I. C. A. § 331.381 |
This Iowa statute states that the county board shall provide for the seizure, impoundment, and disposition of dogs in accordance with chapter 351. |
ID - Ordinances - § 50-319. Animals at large--Regulation |
I.C. § 50-319 |
This Idaho law gives the authority to the mayor and city council to do things like regulate the running at large of domesticated animals, to impound animals running at large, and to manage pounds for such animals. |
IL - Ordinances - 5/24. Powers of municipalities and other political subdivisions to regulate dogs and other animals |
510 I.L.C.S. 5/24 |
This Illinois statute provides that nothing in the Animal Control Act shall be held to limit the power of any municipality to prohibit animals from running at large, nor shall anything in this Act be construed to limit the power of any municipality to further control and regulate dogs, cats or other animals in such municipality or other political subdivision provided that no regulation or ordinance is specific to breed. |
IL - Ordinances - 5/3. Appointment of administrator; |
510 I.L.C.S. 5/3 |
This Illinois statute provides that the County Board Chairman with the consent of the County Board shall appoint an Administrator who may appoint as many Animal Control Wardens to aid him or her as authorized by the Board. The Board is authorized by ordinance to require the registration and microchipping of dogs and cats and shall impose an individual animal and litter registration fee. All persons selling dogs or cats or keeping registries of dogs or cats shall cooperate and provide information to the Administrator as required by the Board. |
IL - Ordinances - 5/5. Duties and powers |
510 I.L.C.S. 5/5 |
This Illinois statute outlines the ;local animal control duties of the Administrator related to sterilization, humane education, rabies inoculation, stray control, impoundment, quarantine, and any other means deemed necessary, to control and prevent the spread of rabies and to exercise dog and cat overpopulation control. It also states that counties may by ordinance determine the extent of the police powers that may be exercised by the Administrator, Deputy Administrators, and Animal Control Wardens and which powers shall pertain only to this Act. |
IL - Ordinances - 5/7. Remittance of fees; Animal Control Fund; use of fund; self-insurance |
510 I.L.C.S. 5/7 |
This Illinois statute provides that all registration fees collected shall be remitted the county Animal Control Fund. This fund shall be set up for the purpose of paying costs of the Animal Control Program. This includes paying claims for loss of livestock or poultry and for other ordinance enacted measures, including the purchase of human rabies anti-serum, human vaccine, the cost for administration of serum or vaccine, minor medical care; paying the cost of stray dog control, impoundment, education on animal control and rabies; or any county or municipal ordinance as established by ordinance of the County Board. In 2013, the statute was amended to provide different provisions for how the fund shall be used for cities with 3 million or more people and for cities with less than 3 million people. |
KY - Exotic Animals - Chapter 65. General Provisions Applicable to Counties, Cities |
KRS § 65.877 |
This Kentucky statue authorizes counties and cities to regulate or prohibit the holding of inherently dangerous wildlife. For example, the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has identified some of the following animals as being dangerous: African buffalo, Hippopotamus, Hyenas, Old world badger, Lions, jaguars, leopards, or tigers, Clouded leopard, Cheetah, Elephants, Rhinoceroses, Gorillas, Baboons, drills, or mandrills, Crocodiles, Alligators or caimans, certain snakes, Gila monsters or beaded lizards, Komodo dragon, Wolverine, Bears, Wolf, mountain lion. |
KY - Impound - Chapter 258. Animal Control and Protection. |
KRS § 258.215 |
This Kentucky statute provides that peace officers, dog wardens, or animal control officers shall seize and impound any dog which does not bear a proper license tag or other legible identification which is found running at large. Interestingly, if an officer after diligent effort to do so, should fail to seize the dog, it is his or her duty to destroy the dog by any reasonable and humane means. The statute specifically exempts actively engaged hunting dogs from the "loose dog" prohibition. |
KY - Impound - Chapter 258. Animal Control and Protection. |
KRS § 258.265 |
This Kentucky statute provides that an owner shall exercise proper care and control of his dog to prevent the dog from violating any local government nuisance ordinance. Any peace officer or animal control officer may seize or destroy any dog found running at large between the hours of sunset and sunrise and unaccompanied and not under the control of its owner or handler. A peace officer or animal control officer shall be under a duty to make a fair and reasonable effort to determine whether any dog found at large between sunset and sunrise is a hound or other hunting dog which has become lost temporarily. |
KY - Ordinances - Chapter 258. Animal Control and Protection. |
KRS § 258.195 |
This Kentucky statute set up in 1954 the position of county dog warden. Additionally in 1955, each county was to establish and maintain a dog pound as a means of facilitating and administration of this chapter. It also provides that cities, urban-county governments, or charter county governments may enter into agreements with the counties for the enforcement of the county's ordinances.
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KY - Ordinances - CHAPTER 258. DOGS. |
KRS § 258.365 |
This Kentucky statute provides that nothing in this chapter related to state regulation of dogs shall be construed to prohibit or limit the right of any city to pass or enforce any ordinance with respect to the regulation of dogs, the provisions of which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter. |
LA - Dog - Consolidated Dog Laws |
LSA-R.S.3:2451 - 2778; LSA-R.S. 13:5544 - 45; LSA-R.S. 56:124.1, 141; LSA-R.S. § 40:1269.1 - 4; LSA-R.S. 49:165 |
These statutes comprise Louisiana's dog laws. Included among the provisions are dangerous dog laws, impoundment provisions, and the relevant licensing requirements. |
LA - Ordinances - CHAPTER 18. ANIMALS RUNNING AT LARGE. |
LA R.S. 3:2731 |
This Louisiana statute provides that the governing bodies of all parishes and municipalities may impose license taxes on all dogs, enact ordinances for the regulation of dogs running at large, and maintain pounds for the impounding of dogs. |
MD - Licenses - Article 24. Political Subdivisions--Miscellaneous Provisions. |
MD Code, Local Government, § 13-115 |
This law, enacted in 2013, replaces a former section that dealt with the running at large of dogs. The new section concerns Calvert County and establishes guidelines for the issuance of dog and kennel licenses and dog tags. The "Animal Matters Hearing Board" was also created under this law. The Board's duty is to "resolve disputes and controversies arising under animal control ordinances adopted under subsection (c) of this section." The law also makes a dog running at large in Calvert County without a properly attached licensed a "nuisance," subject to seizure, detention, and euthanasia. A holding period for seized dogs (72 hours) is also established under the new law.
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MI - Ordinances - CHAPTER 287. ANIMAL INDUSTRY. DOG LAW OF 1919. |
M. C. L. A. 287.289a |
This Michigan law provides that a board of county commissioners may establish, by ordinance, an animal control agency. The animal control agency shall have jurisdiction to enforce this act in any city, village or township which does not have an animal control ordinance. The county's animal control ordinance shall provide for animal control programs, facilities, personnel and necessary expenses incurred in animal control. |
MI - Ordinances - CHAPTER 287. ANIMAL INDUSTRY. DOG LAW OF 1919. |
M. C. L. A. 287.290 |
This Michigan statute enables a city, village or township to adopt an animal control ordinance to regulate the licensing, payment of claims and providing for the enforcement thereof.
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MI - Ordinances - Chapters 81 to 113 Fourth Class Cities. |
M. C. L. A. 91.1 |
This Michigan statute provides that a city incorporated under the provisions of this act has, and the council may pass ordinances relating to, the following general powers: To provide for the issuing of licenses to the owners and keepers of dogs and to require the owners and keepers of dogs to pay for and obtain such licenses; and to regulate and prevent the running at large of dogs, to require dogs to be muzzled, and to authorize the killing of dogs running at large or not licensed in violation of an ordinance of the city. |
MN - Ordinances - 366.01.Chapter 366. Town Board; Board of Audit. Town Board. |
M. S. A. § 366.01 |
This Minnesota statute provides that the supervisors of each town constituting a town board are empowered to license and regulate the presence or keeping of dogs or domestic animal pets when deemed to be in the public interest.
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MN - Ordinances - Chapter 347. Dogs and Cats. Dogs. |
M. S. A. § 347.21 |
This Minnesota statute provides that state dog control laws are supplemental to local provisions enacted by ordinance and shall not be construed as to modify, repeal, or prevent municipalities from prohibiting, licensing, or regulating the running at large of dogs. |
MN - Ordinances - Chapter 365. Town General Law. Town Meeting Powers. |
M. S. A. § 365.10 |
Under this Minnesota statute, town electors at their annual town meeting, are empowered to exercise control over a number of activities relating to dogs. They can decide the locations of pounds, set the number of poundmasters, and discontinue a pound. The electors may make orders and bylaws on restraining horses, cattle, sheep, swine, and other domestic animals from going at large on roads. They may also make orders and bylaws on the impounding of domestic animals going at large and fix penalties for violations of the orders and bylaws. The electors may let the town board pass an ordinance for licensing dogs and cats and regulating their presence, keeping, and running at large in the town. The electors are also granted the authority to provide for a specific activity that is within any of the following categories: the promotion of health, safety, order, and convenience, and the general welfare. |
MO - Dog Ordinances - Chapter 77. Third Class Cities. |
V.A.M.S. 77.510 |
This Missouri statute provides that a city council may tax, restrain and prohibit the running at large of dogs, and provide for their destruction when at large contrary to ordinance, and impose penalties on the owners or keepers thereof. |
MO - Ordinances - Chapter 77. Third Class Cities |
V. A. M. S. 77.590, 79.110, 80.090, 82.300 |
This set of statutes authorizes municipal governments to regulate animals and animal-related nuisances. |
MO - Ordinances - Chapter 79. Fourth Class Cities. Police and Health Regulations |
V. A. M. S. 79.400 |
This Missouri statute provides that a local board of aldermen may tax, regulate and restrain and prohibit the running at large of dogs, and provide for their destruction when at large contrary to ordinance, and impose penalties on the owners or keepers thereof. |
MS - Leash, Impound - Chapter 19. Health, Safety, and Welfare |
Miss. Code Ann. § 21-19-9 |
This Mississippi law grants broad powers to local units of government for animal control, including the power to prevent or regulate the running at large of animals of all kinds, and to cause such as may be running at large to be impounded and sold to discharge the costs and penalties provided for the violation of such regulations and the expense of impounding and keeping and selling the same; to regulate and provide for the taxing of owners and harborers of dogs, and to destroy dogs running at large, unless such dogs have proper identification. |
MS - Licenses - Chapter 5. Health, Safety and Public Welfare. In General |
Miss. Code Ann. § 19-5-50 |
This Mississippi statute provides that the governing authorities of any county bordering on the Gulf of Mexico and having within its boundaries two cities having in excess of forty thousand (40,000) population each and any county with a population in excess of two hundred thousand (200,000) shall have the power to prevent or regulate the running at large of animals of all kinds, and to cause such as may be running at large to be impounded and sold to discharge the costs. These governing bodies are also given the authority to regulate and tax dogs generally. |
MT - Dangerous - CHAPTER 23. DOMESTIC ANIMAL CONTROL AND PROTECTION. |
MCA 7-23-2109 |
This Montana statute provides that the county governing body may regulate, restrain, control, kill, or quarantine any vicious dog, whether such dog is licensed or unlicensed, by the adoption of an ordinance which substantially complies with state dangerous dog laws. |
MT - Ordinance - Chapter 23. Domestic Animal Control and Protection. |
MCA 7-23-2108 |
This Montana statute provides that the governing body of the county may regulate, restrain, or prohibit the running at large of dogs by the adoption of an ordinance which substantially complies with state law provisions related to licensing. Violation of an ordinance adopted is a misdemeanor. Additionally, the county governing body is authorized to impound, sell, kill, or otherwise destroy dogs found at large contrary to ordinances. |