NY State preempts breed-specific legislation. Agriculture & Markets Law §107 prohibits any municipality from enacting breed-specific laws. The Bronx and NYC regulate dangerous dogs by behavior only under NYC Health Code §161.07 and AG&M Law §123. NYCHA public housing maintains its own breed and weight restrictions.
NY Agriculture & Markets Law §107(5) explicitly preempts breed-specific municipal laws: no political subdivision may regulate dogs in a manner based on breed. The Bronx follows NYC Health Code §161.07, which classifies dogs as dangerous only after a hearing based on unprovoked attacks. Owners of adjudicated dangerous dogs must muzzle, microchip, and carry $100,000 liability insurance. NYCHA lease rules independently ban pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and dogs over 25 pounds in most developments—this is a lease restriction, not municipal law.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Bronx County's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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