St. Tammany Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis for designation
- bite/attack history, not breed
- Potentially dangerous permit
- $250.00/year
- Dangerous animal permit
- $500.00/year
- Liability insurance (dangerous)
- $200,000.00 minimum
- Vicious animal ownership
- unlawful; fine up to $500, 6 months jail
- Vicious animal outcome
- humane euthanasia ordered
Summary
St. Tammany Parish doesn't restrict pets by breed; instead it declares an individual animal "dangerous," "potentially dangerous," or "vicious" based on documented bite or attack history under Code of Ordinances Secs. 10-659 and 10-664. A dangerous-animal designation triggers a $250-$500 annual permit, mandatory muzzling and $200,000 liability insurance, while owning a declared vicious animal is outright unlawful.
As used in this section, the term "dangerous animal" means: (1)Any animal which, when unprovoked, on two separate occasions engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury that occurs when the person and the animal are off the property of the owner or keeper of the animal;(2)Any animal which, when unprovoked, bites a person causing an injury and is capable of causing serious bodily injury... Sec. 10-664(a): the term "vicious animal" means any animal which, when unprovoked, in an aggressive manner, inflicts serious bodily injury on or kills a human being and was previously determined to be a dangerous animal under the criteria set forth in section 10-659(a). (1)It shall be unlawful for any person to own a vicious animal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 10-659(a) defines a "dangerous animal" as one that, unprovoked, twice engages in behavior requiring a defensive action to avoid bodily injury off its owner's property, bites a person causing an injury capable of serious harm, twice injures another domestic animal off-property, or has already been declared dangerous by another jurisdiction; a "potentially dangerous animal" under subsection (b) covers a single off-property injury or defensive-action incident. Neither definition mentions breed. Once the department of animal services designates an animal, the owner has 30 to 60 days to comply with Sec.
00 in liability insurance. Owners can contest the designation at an administrative hearing and appeal an adverse ruling under Sec. 10-663. Section 10-664 defines a "vicious animal" as one previously declared dangerous that then, unprovoked, inflicts serious bodily injury on or kills a human being; it is simply unlawful to own one, and Sec. 10-666 directs the hearing officer to order the animal humanely euthanized once the designation is upheld.
Violations & Fines
Failing to meet the dangerous or potentially dangerous animal's permit, insurance, enclosure or muzzle requirements under Sec. 10-660 can mean the animal stays impounded, with impoundment fees of $250.00 for a first offense and $500.00 for a second, plus $40.00 a day in boarding. Owning a declared vicious animal is a separate crime under Sec. 10-664(a)(2), fined up to $500.00, up to six months in jail, or both, and the animal is ordered euthanized under Sec. 10-666.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St. Tammany Parish ban pit bulls or other specific dog breeds?
What must an owner do once their dog is declared dangerous?
Can I keep an animal that's been declared vicious?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Tammany Parish
How St. Tammany Parish compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare St. Tammany Parish to another location·View the Louisiana animal ordinances overview
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