Fargo, ND Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Any dog inside the City of Fargo may be designated as a potentially dangerous dog if the dog:

a. When unprovoked, bites a human or domestic animal on public or private property;

b. When unprovoked, chases or approaches a person, including a person on a bicycle, upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public or private property, other than the dog owner's property, in an apparent attitude of attack; or

c. Has a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack, unprovoked, causing injury or otherwise threatening the safety of humans or domestic animals.

2. Any dog within the City of Fargo may be designated as a dangerous dog if the dog has:

a. Inflicted substantial bodily injury on a human being or a domestic animal on public or private property;

b. Killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property; or

c. Previously been found to be potentially dangerous and commits any offense under section 12-0117 (A)(1-2).

B. Procedure for designating a dog as potentially dangerous or dangerous.

1. Whenever there is reasonable cause to believe a dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous, an application may be presented to the municipal court for a finding the dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous. After receiving evidence at a hearing on the matter, the municipal court shall enter an order containing the court's findings, established by a preponderance of the evidence, whether the dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous.