Arlington Heights, IL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 16-501(b)
- Breed-specific rules
- none; conduct-based, not breed-based
- First offense fine
- $25.00 to $750.00
- Second offense (2 yrs)
- $100.00 to $750.00
- Third offense/severe harm
- $250-$750 and/or destruction order
- Court appearance
- mandatory, 10-45 days after incident
Summary
Arlington Heights, Illinois, does not restrict dog ownership by breed; instead, Municipal Code Section 16-501(b) imposes escalating court penalties on any animal's owner after it attacks and injures a person or another animal, running from a $25 to $750 fine on a first offense up to mandatory court proceedings and a possible destruction order after repeat attacks.
In all instances involving an attack by an animal upon another animal or person, or in which the other animal or person sustains a physical injury, the owner must be given a mandatory appearance request for court, not less than ten days, nor more than 45 days after the occurrence. Any person found guilty of violating this subsection (b) shall be fined not less than $25.00 nor more than $750.00 if the subject occurrence is the first involving the animal. A second conviction within two years shall require a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $750.00.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 3 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
" The court may also order restitution for "property damage and/or medical costs" to the victim. considered by the law to be inherently dangerous (ferae naturae)," a category aimed at wild animals, not any dog breed. Attack cases are excluded from the ordinary pay-before-hearing settlement available for other Chapter 16 offenses under Section 16-501(a); a court appearance is mandatory.
Violations & Fines
A first attack conviction under Section 16-501(b) draws a fine of $25.00 to $750.00; a second conviction within two years draws $100.00 to $750.00. A third conviction, or any case involving great bodily harm or death, exposes the owner to a $250.00-$750.00 fine and a possible court order to confiscate and destroy the animal, plus restitution for medical or property costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arlington Heights ban pit bulls or other dog breeds?
What happens after a dog's second attack in Arlington Heights?
Can the Village order a dangerous dog destroyed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington Heights
How Arlington Heights compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Arlington Heights to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle breed restrictions.