Jefferson Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed-specific ban
- None
- Trigger
- Behavior (dangerous/vicious finding)
- Insurance required
- $100,000 liability
- Also required
- Spay/neuter, microchip, sign
- Governing sections
- Code §§ 7-155, 7-160
Summary
Jefferson Parish's animal code is breed-neutral: it does not ban pit bulls or any specific breed. Instead, any dog can be declared a dangerous or vicious animal based on its behavior, which triggers strict ownership requirements such as spay/neuter, microchipping, secure enclosure, warning signage, and $100,000 liability insurance.
Procure liability insurance in the amount of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00), covering any property damage or bodily injury which may be caused by such vicious or dangerous animal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 7 contains no breed-specific ban. Section 7-155 classifies an animal as dangerous if, unprovoked, it bites and injures a person or animal or has a known propensity to cause injury, and as vicious for severe unprovoked injuries, killing a domestic animal, or repeat dangerous behavior. Under Section 7-160, owning a dangerous or vicious animal is unlawful unless the owner, within fifteen days of classification, spays or neuters and microchips the animal, posts a visible warning sign, keeps it in a secure enclosure, and carries at least $100,000 in liability insurance. These duties apply to any breed. Incorporated cities within the parish set their own dangerous-dog rules.
Violations & Fines
A dangerous or vicious animal kept out of compliance may be destroyed, and the owner faces penalties, impoundment costs, and boarding fees during any hearing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls banned in Jefferson Parish?
What must the owner of a dangerous dog do?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson Parish
How Jefferson Parish compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Jefferson Parish to another location·View the Louisiana animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.