Council Bluffs, IA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

CBMC 4.20.112 defines a banned pit bull broadly: an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of those breeds more than any other breed, or matching American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club standards for them. The administrative authority may immediately impound any pit bull found in the city that does not fall within a narrow set of exceptions: temporary housing at the city shelter for enforcement, temporary care by a licensed veterinarian, or a dog transported into the city solely to be shown at a sponsored exhibition, contest or show after the sponsor gets written permission at least seven days in advance and keeps the dog in a secure temporary enclosure.

If an owner disputes the breed classification of an impounded dog, they must file a written petition for a hearing within seven days of impoundment; missing that deadline means the dog is humanely destroyed. At a hearing, the owner bears the burden of proof, and if the administrative authority or a hearing officer still finds the dog is a pit bull, it is destroyed unless the owner proves it will be permanently taken out of Council Bluffs and pays the impoundment costs. A dog impounded after an actual attack or bite gets no breed-classification hearing at all and is instead handled as a vicious animal under CBMC 4.20.120.

This citywide ban is separate from, and stacks with, the dangerous dog and vicious animal designation process that applies to any breed under CBMC 4.20.082 through 4.20.132.