Anoka County, MN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed bans
- Prohibited statewide
- Governing law
- Minn. Stat. 347.51, subd. 8
- Basis for regulation
- Behavior, not breed
- Dangerous dog registration
- Required (347.51)
- Insurance required
- At least $300,000
Summary
Minnesota law bars cities and counties from banning or regulating dogs based solely on breed. No pit-bull or breed ban exists in Anoka County. Dangerous-dog rules apply to a dog's behavior, not its breed, under Minn. Stat. 347.51.
A statutory or home rule charter city, or a county, may not adopt an ordinance regulating dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs based solely on the specific breed of the dog. Ordinances inconsistent with this subdivision are void.
Full Breakdown
Minn. Stat. 347.51, subd. 8 preempts breed-specific legislation: a statutory or home-rule city, or a county, "may not adopt an ordinance regulating dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs based solely on the specific breed of the dog." Instead, the state Dangerous Dog Act (347.50-347.565) regulates individual dogs by conduct. A dog declared dangerous must be registered under 347.51, subd. 1; the owner needs a secure enclosure, a warning sign, at least $300,000 liability coverage, microchipping, and pays an annual fee. Blaine and Coon Rapids adopt these state provisions by reference rather than targeting breeds.
Violations & Fines
Owning an unregistered dangerous dog violates 347.51; ordinances that regulate dogs solely by breed are "void" under subd. 8. Dangerous-dog seizure and misdemeanor penalties apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Anoka County ban pit bulls?
What makes a dog legally 'dangerous'?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anoka County
How Anoka County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Anoka County to another location·View the Minnesota animal ordinances overview
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