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Gretna, LA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
§ 8-36, Pit bull dogs
Kennel height
At least six feet, chain-link construction
Property line setback
At least five feet
Neighboring home setback
At least twenty feet
Section penalty
$250.00 fine under § 8-36(d)
Combined penalty cap
$500.00 shared with §§ 8-35, 8-38

Summary

In the City of Gretna, pit bull dogs must stay inside a code-compliant chain-link kennel whenever they are not on a leash with their owner, under Code section 8-36. The kennel must be at least six feet high, at least five feet from any property line and at least twenty feet from a neighboring home. Violating any part of the section draws a $250.00 fine.

(a)Pit bull dogs shall be kept confined in kennels when not accompanied by their owners or on a leash in accordance with section 8-38.(b)All such kennels shall be:(1)Constructed of a chainlink fencing material.(2)At least six feet in height.(3)No closer than five feet from any property line; and(4)No closer than 20 feet from any neighboring home.(c)Nothing in this section shall be construed to relieve pet owners of their duties imposed by other sections this Code.(d)The penalty for violation of any subsection of this section shall be a fine of $250.00. ... Each violation of sections 8-35, 8-36, and 8-38 shall be punishable by a maximum fine of $500.00.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 8-36 does not ban pit bull ownership in Gretna; it imposes confinement standards on top of the general leash duty in Section 8-38. Unless the dog is leashed and with its owner, it must be kept in a kennel built of chain-link fencing, standing at least six feet tall, set back at least five feet from any property line and at least twenty feet from any neighboring home. Subsection (c) makes clear the kennel rule does not excuse a pit bull owner from any other duty imposed elsewhere in the Code, such as the rabies and registration provisions in Article II.

00, so both figures appear in the printed Code. Since a 2019 amendment (Ord. No. 4884) and a 2021 amendment (Ord. No. S. 3:2731. The original kennel standard traces to Ordinance No. 3140 from March 10, 1997.

Violations & Fines

Violating any part of the pit bull kennel and leash rule draws a $250.00 fine under Section 8-36(d), while a separate Code clause caps combined violations of Sections 8-35, 8-36 and 8-38 at a $500.00 maximum. Gretna Police and animal control issue citations, heard in the Gretna Mayor's Court, and a probable-cause showing can trigger magistrate-ordered seizure of the dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pit bulls banned in the City of Gretna?
No. Section 8-36 doesn't ban pit bull ownership; it requires that a pit bull be leashed with its owner or confined in a compliant kennel: chain-link construction, at least six feet tall, at least five feet from any property line, and at least twenty feet from a neighboring home.
What is the fine for violating Gretna's pit bull kennel rule?
Section 8-36(d) sets a $250.00 fine for violating any part of the section, though a separate combined clause caps total fines for violations of Sections 8-35, 8-36, and 8-38 together at $500.00, so both figures appear in the printed Code.
Can the City of Gretna seize a dangerous pit bull?
Yes. Since 2019 and 2021 amendments, the Gretna City Magistrate can sign an order, on a showing of probable cause from law enforcement or regulatory officials, compelling animal control to pick up and detain a dog that poses an immediate threat to public safety, holding it through the owner's court proceedings.

Sources & Official References

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