Appleton, WI Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Under §3-131, a humane or law enforcement officer who investigates an incident may issue an order declaring a specific animal dangerous. The owner has seventy-two hours to deliver a written objection to the Health Officer, which puts the matter before the Board of Health at its next meeting for a quasi-judicial hearing; an owner who loses there can seek review by the Circuit Court within five days of the Board's decision. Once an animal is declared dangerous, §3-132 imposes a stack of requirements: annual registration with the Police Department for a $75 fee and a current photograph (b); a leash no longer than four feet whenever the animal leaves its dwelling, kennel or pen, handled by someone at least sixteen years old, plus a humane muzzle (c); secure indoor confinement or a locked, child-proof double-fenced pen when outdoors (d); prominently posted warning signs in letters at least two inches high at every entrance (e); proof of spaying or neutering within thirty days (f); and a certificate of liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 (g).

The Health Officer may waive any of these for a law enforcement or military animal with a satisfactory alternative safekeeping plan (h), and the owner must notify police within 24 hours of an escape, attack or the animal's death (i). Separately, §3-134 lets the Health Officer or Police Department bar a 'prohibited dangerous animal' from the city entirely.