Flint, MI Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Michigan is one of the states without statewide preemption of municipal breed-specific legislation, which means a Michigan city may lawfully enact a breed ban; cities including Waterford, Allen Park, and Garden City have done so. The City of Flint has declined to adopt a breed-specific ordinance. Section 9-14.6 of Chapter 9 instead defines a vicious dog by behavior as any dog with a propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack, to cause injury, or otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or other domestic animals, or any dog that has previously attacked or bitten a human or other domestic animal other than under justifiable circumstances. Once a dog is so designated, restrictions apply regardless of breed: secure indoor or kennel confinement, four-foot maximum leash and muzzle in public, no leashing to inanimate objects, a Beware of Dog sign on the premises, and proof of $100,000 single-incident public liability insurance filed with the City. A 2013 council proposal to add a pit bull registration overlay was not enacted. Owners may still face Michigan Dog Law dangerous-dog proceedings under MCL 287.321 to 287.323 in 68th District Court for any breed if an individual dog bites or attacks. Private landlords, condominium boards, and insurance carriers are not state actors and may still apply breed-based restrictions.