Detroit, MI Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Enclosure height
- Minimum 6 feet
- Off-property restraint
- Muzzle + 6-ft leash
- Vicious dogs
- Banned citywide
- Reckless owner penalty
- 5-year ownership ban
- Appeal deadline
- 10 days to 36th District Court
Summary
Detroit's Animal Care and Control Division can declare a dog "potentially dangerous," "dangerous," or "vicious" after an investigation, triggering strict confinement, muzzling, and insurance rules, and vicious dogs cannot be kept in the city at all.
When the animal is on the owner's property, the animal must be confined securely indoors or securely outdoors within a locked enclosure, pen, or structure that prevents the entry of any person and the escape of the confined animal. Any enclosure, pen, or structure used to confine an animal that has been issued a potentially dangerous animal or dangerous animal determination shall be a minimum of six feet in height.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Detroit's Animal Care and Control Division investigates bite and attack reports under Emma's Clause and can issue a potentially dangerous, dangerous, or vicious animal determination. Owners of a declared dog must keep it in a locked enclosure at least six feet high, muzzle it on a six-foot leash off-property, post a warning sign, and can be ordered to carry liability insurance. A vicious-dog determination makes it unlawful to keep the animal in the city, and the City seeks a 36th District Court euthanasia order. Determinations can be appealed to 36th District Court within ten days of notice.
Violations & Fines
Owners who violate confinement, muzzle, or signage orders face seizure of the animal, and repeat violations trigger a "reckless dog owner" declaration barring dog ownership citywide for five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Detroit ban specific dog breeds?
What happens if my dog is declared vicious?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Detroit
How Detroit compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Detroit to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle breed restrictions.