Bay County, MI Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed rule
- None; pit-bull presumption repealed 2011
- Leash on vicious animal
- Max 4 feet, muzzled outside enclosure
- Confinement
- Locked pen, sides embedded 2 feet deep
- Liability insurance required
- $500,000 per occurrence
- Incident reporting
- Within 3 days to Animal Control Officer
- Maximum penalty
- 90 days jail and/or $500 fine
Summary
Bay County does not ban or restrict any dog breed. The county repealed its rebuttable pit-bull presumption in 2011 and instead regulates any animal, of any breed, that is declared "vicious" based on documented behavior: a prior bite, attack, or a demonstrated propensity to injure people or other animals.
(w)Vicious animal. Any animal:1.With a propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings;2.Which has previously attacked or bitten a human being or other domestic animal other than under the type of circumstances that would be justifiable;3.Which has behaved in such a manner that the owner thereof knows or should reasonably know that the animal is possessed of tendencies to attack or bite human beings or other domestic animals other than under the type of circumstances that would be justifiable. ... (a)Leash and Muzzle. No person shall permit a vicious animal to go outside of its kennel, pen or the owner's residence unless such animal is securely leashed with a leash no longer than four (4) feet in length.
Full Breakdown
200(w)). Breed is never mentioned in that definition. The county's earlier ordinance did carry a rebuttable presumption for pit bulls, but Ordinance No. 903, editor's note). 901(a)). 901(b), (c)). 902).
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply with the leash, confinement, insurance, photograph, signage, or reporting requirements for a declared vicious animal is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in the county jail, a fine of up to $500, or both, and the animal is subject to immediate seizure and impoundment (Bay County Code of Ordinances § 50.904; § 50.1001(3)). Each animal and each day of noncompliance can be charged as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bay County ban pit bulls or any other dog breed?
What must I do if my animal is declared vicious?
What happens if I don't follow the vicious animal rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bay County
How Bay County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Bay County to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview
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