Hennepin County follows Minnesota Statutes 347.50 to 347.565, which regulate dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs by behavior, not breed. Minnesota preempts most breed-specific bans, though some cities maintain pre-emption-grandfathered rules.
Under Minn. Stat. Chapter 347, a dog is classified as dangerous after unprovoked bites causing substantial injury or after killing another pet. Owners must register dangerous dogs with city animal control, post warning signs, maintain liability insurance of at least 300,000 dollars, and confine the dog in a secure enclosure. Minnesota does not authorize new breed-specific bans, so Hennepin County and most cities focus on individual dog behavior. A handful of older municipal ordinances naming specific breeds remain on city books but are typically enforced as behavior-based.
Failure to register a declared dangerous dog, lack of insurance, or letting it run at large can result in misdemeanor charges, impoundment, and orders for euthanasia under MN Stat. 347.56.
Hennepin County, MN
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See how Hennepin County's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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