Bethlehem, PA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Pennsylvania has had statutory preemption of breed-specific local ordinances since the Dangerous Dog Act amendments. Section 459-507-A(c) at https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-3-ps-agriculture/pa-st-sect-3-459-507-a.html states that a local ordinance otherwise dealing with dogs may not prohibit or otherwise limit a specific breed of dog, and abrogates earlier conflicting local ordinances. Bethlehem, as a Third Class City, is bound by this state-level limit on its police power and has not enacted any breed-specific list. Bethlehem's Article 709 (Dogs) and Article 1159 (Animals) at https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/ordinances instead regulate dogs by behavior — restraint, nuisance, dangerous, and vicious classifications — never by breed or appearance. The state Dangerous Dog Act at 3 P.S. Section 459-502-A (https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-3-ps-agriculture/pa-st-sect-3-459-502-a/) defines 'dangerous dog' based on attacks causing severe injury, attacks without provocation, killing or maiming a domestic animal, or being used in commission of a crime — never by breed. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, and similar breeds receive the same legal treatment as any other dog in Bethlehem. Insurance discrimination by breed is also limited under Section 459-507-A. Owners of dogs adjudicated dangerous must maintain at least $50,000 in liability insurance, a secure enclosure, and posted warning signs, with cases heard in the Court of Common Pleas of the county where the residence sits.