Madison County, IL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Declaration fine
- $50 into Pet Population Control Fund
- Dangerous-dog deadline
- Spay/neuter + microchip in 14 days
- Vicious-dog deadline
- 10 days, plus locked enclosure
- Impoundment fine
- $500 if owner fails to comply
- Appeal path
- Circuit Court, § 50.085
- Enforcing agency
- Madison County Health Department Administrator
Summary
Unincorporated Madison County does not ban dogs by breed. Under Code § 50.081, the County Health Administrator declares a dog dangerous case by case, following state procedures. Once declared, the owner pays a $50 fine into the Pet Population Control Fund and must have the dog spayed or neutered and microchipped within 14 days, at the owner's own expense.
(A) The Administrator shall follow all statutory procedures set forth in 510 ILCS 5/15.1 in determining whether to declare a dog to be a dangerous dog. ... (C) (1) If deemed dangerous, the Administrator shall order: (a) The dog’s owner to pay a $50 public safety fine to be deposited into the Pet Population Control Fund; and (b) The dog to be spayed or neutered within 14 days at the owner’s expense and microchipped, if not already done.
Full Breakdown
081 after an incident, following the procedures set out in the state Animal Control Act. 084. The Administrator may also order behavioral evaluation by a certified applied behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist, with the owner covering those costs, and require direct adult supervision whenever the dog is in public. 083 lets the State's Attorney seek a court finding that a dog is vicious, which triggers a $100 fine, mandatory spay/neuter and microchipping within ten days, and confinement in a locked, six-foot enclosure approved by the Administrator before the dog can go home.
A vicious dog that is not confined can be impounded and, absent an appeal to the Circuit Court within 15 working days, euthanized. 082 include a locked automobile, a labeled shipping container, a muzzle with a six-foot leash held by a competent adult, or confinement away from the public. 086 if properly vaccinated and reported to the Administrator. 085.
Violations & Fines
Unlawfully letting a declared dangerous or vicious dog off the property without an approved control method is itself a public nuisance under § 50.081(B). General Chapter 50 violations, including ignoring an Administrator's order, are petty offenses carrying a $25 to $200 fine under § 50.999, escalating to a Class C misdemeanor on a third offense. An owner who lets a dog subject to a mandatory enclosure attack someone and cause serious injury faces a Class C misdemeanor, or a Class 4 felony if the dog was knowingly allowed to run at large.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Madison County ban specific dog breeds?
What happens once a dog is declared dangerous?
How is a vicious dog different from a dangerous dog?
Can a dangerous-dog declaration be appealed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison County
How Madison County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Madison County to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview
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