Bristol Township, PA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 57 of the Bristol Township Code, adopted as Ord. No. 19-86, does not restrict or list any dog breed. Section 57-1 instead defines a vicious or destructive animal by what it has done: an animal that has attacked, without cause, a human being or domestic animal in a way that inflicts physical damage, or that has caused property damage.

Section 57-4 sets the duties that follow. A person who keeps an animal known to be vicious must ensure that adequate protective devices prevent it from escaping or injuring the public. An actual attack on a person who was conducting himself in a lawful manner is prima facie evidence that the protection was not adequate, whether the attack happens on or off the owner's property. That attack is a violation of the chapter and requires surrender of the animal to the Township official. A known vicious animal found running at large that cannot be safely taken up and impounded can be destroyed by any police officer.

The Township official is the Animal Control Officer, the Code Enforcement Officer, other police officers with the same power to act, and representatives of the Bucks County Board of Health. Bites trigger a separate procedure in § 57-6: anyone who knows an animal has bitten or injured a person must immediately report the incident and the animal's whereabouts to the Bucks County Department of Health. The owner confines the animal for a ten-day observation period, a veterinarian examines it at the end, and a written report goes to the Bureau of Health within 24 hours. If rabies symptoms appear, the animal goes to a veterinary hospital acceptable to the Bucks County Board of Health.

Section 57-17 adds that where a provision of Chapter 57 conflicts with or is covered by the Pennsylvania Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-101 et seq., the state law controls.