Ascension Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Rather than banning breeds, unincorporated Ascension Parish regulates dogs case by case once one is classified dangerous. Sec. 5-83 gives the owner ten days from that classification to comply with a lengthy list of mandates: purchase an annual 'dangerous dog' tag ($10 the first year, $5 annually after) and keep it on the collar at all times; obtain a microchip for the dog; and confine it indoors or in a locked pen meeting minimum dimensions of four feet wide by ten feet long by seven feet high, built with 9-gauge 1 1/4-inch galvanized diamond mesh, embedded in concrete, double-latched, and posted with 'Dangerous' or 'Will Bite' and 'Do Not Enter' signage.

The owner must also post a warning sign at every entry point to the property, and the dog may leave the enclosure only muzzled and on a substantial leash or chain no longer than four feet, under an able-bodied handler. Animal control may, at its discretion, require the dog spayed or neutered, and the dog may never be used as a guard dog. Keeping a dangerous dog anywhere in a house that lets it escape on its own, including through a mere screen door or window, is separately unlawful.

Owners must immediately report if the dog gets loose, bites, is sold, dies or the household moves, and animal control can inspect the enclosure at any time. Sec. 5-84 separately makes it unlawful to own a 'vicious animal' that, unprovoked, inflicts serious injury or kills a person, punishable by up to $500 or six months in jail, with impoundment fees for the animal on top.