Davenport, IA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed Bans
- None in Davenport
- Pit Bulls
- Legal, no breed rules
- Dangerous Dog
- Behavior-based (DMC 6.04.110)
- If Declared Dangerous
- Euthanize or rehome, 14 days
- Appeals
- Animal Hearing Commission
Summary
Davenport has no breed-specific ban; pit bulls and other breeds are legal. The city regulates individual dogs by behavior. A dog declared dangerous under the 2025 ordinance must be euthanized or microchipped and rehomed outside city limits within 14 days.
DANGEROUS DOG - 1. Means a dog that has: a. Killed a human being; b. Taken aggressive action that caused a serious injury as defined in Iowa Code § 702.18 to a human; c. Killed another domesticated animal, excluding fowl; d. Twice within a forty-eight-month period attacked, bitten, or otherwise caused an injury to a person engaged in lawful activity.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4820400; v43 updated 2026-03-11; through 03-11-2026).
Full Breakdown
Davenport does not restrict dogs by breed. Chapter 6.04, repealed and replaced in 2025 by Ordinance 2025-224, defines a dangerous dog by conduct, not breed: a dog that has killed a person, caused serious injury, killed another domesticated animal, or twice within 48 months bitten or injured someone acting lawfully. An animal control officer makes the declaration under Section 6.04.110. Once declared dangerous, the owner must humanely euthanize the dog or have it microchipped and rehomed outside Davenport within 14 days, with appeal rights to the Animal Hearing Commission. Iowa law does not preempt breed rules, but Davenport uses a behavior-based approach.
Violations & Fines
Owning a dog after a dangerous-dog declaration without euthanizing or rehoming it is a simple misdemeanor under Section 6.04.110. The animal may be seized and impounded, with all costs charged to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls banned in Davenport?
What happens if my dog is declared dangerous?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Davenport
How Davenport compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Davenport to another location·View the Iowa animal ordinances overview
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