Oakland County, MI Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- MCL 287.321 to 287.323 (PA 426 of 1988)
- Standard
- Behavior, not breed
- Serious Injury Penalty
- Felony, up to 4 years prison
- Death Penalty
- Up to 15 years prison
Summary
Oakland County does not ban any dog breed. Dangerous-dog determinations are made under MCL 287.321 et seq. based on individual behavior, biting a person or attacking another dog, not breed.
'Dangerous animal' means a dog or other animal that bites or attacks a person, or a dog that bites or attacks and causes serious injury or death to another dog while the other dog is on the property or under the control of its owner. However, a dangerous animal does not include any of the following: (i) An animal that bites or attacks a person who is knowingly trespassing on the property of the animal's owner. (ii) An animal that bites or attacks a person who provokes or torments the animal. (iii) An animal that is responding in a manner that an ordinary and reasonable person would conclude was designed to protect a person … (iv) Livestock.
Full Breakdown
Michigan law (Public Act 426 of 1988, MCL 287.321 to 287.323) defines a 'dangerous animal' as a dog or other animal that bites or attacks a person, or a dog that bites or attacks and causes serious injury or death to another dog while that dog is on its owner's property or under the owner's control. Exclusions include attacks on trespassers, response to provocation or torment, defense of a person engaged in lawful activity, and livestock. After a bite, Oakland County Animal Control investigates, the owner receives notice, and a hearing is held in district court. A dog adjudicated dangerous may be ordered confined, sterilized, microchipped, insured, or destroyed. Owners of dogs that cause death may be charged with manslaughter under MCL 750.321. Some Oakland County communities (Hazel Park has considered, then rejected, breed-specific ordinances) have additional dangerous-dog registration requirements, but none currently impose blanket pit bull or rottweiler bans.
Violations & Fines
Owner of a dangerous animal that causes serious injury: felony, up to 4 years prison. Owner of a dangerous animal that kills a person: felony involuntary manslaughter, up to 15 years prison (MCL 287.323).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls or rottweilers banned in Oakland County?
What happens after a bite?
Can my homeowner's insurance still drop me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oakland County
How Oakland County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Oakland County to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview
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