Bend, OR Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Bend Code § 5.20.035
- Basis for designation
- behavior, not breed
- Who designates
- Bend Municipal Court Judge
- Off-leash and park ban
- excluded entirely
- Penalty
- Class A, up to $750.00
Summary
The City of Bend has no breed-specific ban: any dog can be declared a dangerous animal by the Bend Municipal Court Judge based on its own conduct, such as attacking without provocation or being trained for fighting. Once declared, the animal faces mandatory confinement, muzzling, warning signage and exclusion from all public parks.
An animal may be designated as a dangerous animal by order of the Judge. If an animal is designated as a dangerous animal, the Judge may impose any or all of the following restrictions: A. The owner or keeper of the dangerous animal shall cause the animal to be confined on the premises of the owner or keeper, either securely indoors or confined in a securely enclosed and locked pen or similar structure; such pen or structure must be securely constructed and must be adequate to ensure the confinement of the animal. B. No owner or keeper of a dangerous animal shall permit the animal to go beyond the premises of the person unless the animal is humanely muzzled and either securely leashed or otherwise securely restrained and led by a person physically capable of handling the animal. C. A requirement that the animal’s owner or keeper post signs on the premises where the animal is kept indicating that the animal is a dangerous animal. ... E. ... Dangerous animals are prohibited in all public parks.
Full Breakdown
000(B) defines that status by behavior, not breed: an animal that has, without provocation, placed a person in reasonable fear of imminent physical injury, attacked a person or domestic animal, or been trained for or used in animal fighting. 035 authorizes the Judge to impose any or all of several restrictions: the owner or keeper must confine the animal on their premises, either securely indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen; the animal may not leave the premises unless humanely muzzled and securely leashed or restrained by a capable handler; the owner may be required to post signs on the property warning that a dangerous animal is kept there; and dangerous animals are barred outright from every public park in the City. 030(E). 070(B).
Violations & Fines
A dangerous-animal designation under Bend Code 5.20.035 is a Class A civil infraction under Bend Code 5.20.065, with a civil penalty up to $750.00; failing to confine, muzzle or sign for a declared dangerous animal is enforced the same way, and a bite-based finding can lead the Bend Municipal Court to order the animal destroyed or the owner's rights terminated under Bend Code 5.20.070.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Bend ban specific dog breeds like pit bulls?
What happens once a dog is declared dangerous in Bend?
Can a dangerous dog be taken away from its owner in Bend?
Sources & Official References
- [1]Bend Code
Other rules in Bend
How Bend compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Bend to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
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