Downers Grove, IL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Dog regulation in DuPage County follows Illinois's statewide behavior-based framework rather than a breed-based one. Section 15 of the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/15) governs vicious-dog findings and explicitly provides that "vicious dogs shall not be classified in a manner that is specific as to breed." DuPage County Code Ch. 5 (Animals) implements this state Act at the county level and contains no breed-specific prohibition, ban, or extra restriction on pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, or any other breed.

Under 510 ILCS 5/2.05a a "dangerous dog" is any dog (other than on the owner's property and properly secured) that, without justification, behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death. A "vicious dog" under §15 is one that has, without justification, attacked, attempted to attack, or caused serious injury, or has been previously found dangerous on three separate occasions. The Animal Control Administrator (the DuPage County Animal Services Director) makes a written determination, and the owner has 14 days to file an appeal to the Circuit Court. A vicious finding requires a $100 public-safety fine deposited to the county animal-control fund, mandatory spay/neuter within 10 days, microchipping, and confinement in an approved enclosure at all times.