Brookhaven, NY Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 23's DANGEROUS DOG definition in § 23-2 is behavior-based, not breed-based: a dog that attacks a person or another animal without justification, or behaves in a way a reasonable person would see as an imminent threat of serious injury or death, unless it is a police work dog performing its duties. Once a court imposes § 23-5 confinement under Agriculture and Markets Law § 123(2), the dog must be kept indoors or in a secure, locked pen or kennel in the rear yard, at least 50 feet from property lines, with 6-foot sides, a Town building permit, a secure floor, and a sign at least 4 inches high reading "dangerous dog" with the keeper's name and phone number visible from 50 feet.

Outside the pen the dog must be muzzled and leashed on a leash no longer than four feet, held at all times by a person in physical control (never tied to a tree, post or building), and no one under 21 may walk it; an owner may not walk more than one dangerous dog at once, and the dog cannot be kept on a porch, patio or behind only screens or open windows that would let it escape on its own. Owners must register the dog with the Town Clerk under § 23-3N and carry at least $100,000 in public liability insurance under § 23-3O, with 30 days' notice to the Clerk before the policy can be cancelled.