Idaho Falls, ID Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed bans
- None: behavior-based only
- Citation
- City Code § 5-6-14
- Required leash
- 4 feet max in public
- Insurance
- $100,000 liability minimum
- Repeat incident
- Impoundment and euthanasia
Summary
Idaho Falls has no breed-specific dog ban. Instead, City Code § 5-6-14 classifies individual dogs as 'dangerous' by behavior, severe injury, killing animals off-property, or use in a crime, triggering mandatory confinement and insurance.
(A) A dangerous dog is one that:
(1) Has previously been classified as at-risk and exhibits escalating aggressive behaviors that result in further complaint.
(2) A dog that, without provocation, inflicts severe injury on a human being.
(3) Menaces, maims, or kills domestic animals when off its owner's property.
(4) Is used in the commission of a crime, including but not limited to animal fighting or guarding illegal operations.
(B) Procedure for classifying a dog as dangerous:
(1) The animal control officer shall investigate the circumstances of any complaint filed against a dog alleged to be at risk and notify the dog owner of the charge. The results of the investigation will be reported to the Animal Services Manager and to the dog owner. If the Animal Services Manager deems the dog to be dangerous, the dog owner has the option of filing an appeal with the courts. Such appeal shall be within ten (10) days of the designation as a dangerous dog. Depending on the circumstances, the dog may be impounded pending disposition of the case.
(2) Notwithstanding the above, the Animal Services Manager or their representative shall have discretionary authority to refrain from classifying a dog as dangerous, even if the dog has engaged in the specified behaviors, if it can be determined that the behavior was:
(a) The result of the victim abusing or tormenting the dog.
Full Breakdown
Idaho Falls does not restrict dogs by breed. Under City Code § 5-6-14(A), a dog is declared dangerous only for specific conduct: escalating aggression after an at-risk finding, inflicting severe injury on a person without provocation, menacing or killing another animal off its owner's property, or being used in a crime such as animal fighting. Once declared dangerous, § 5-6-14(C) requires microchipping, a locked pen, a leash no longer than four feet in public, and $100,000 in liability insurance.
Violations & Fines
Dangerous-dog owner must microchip the dog, confine it in a locked pen, use a leash under 4 feet in public, and carry $100,000 liability insurance; the dog may be destroyed for further incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Idaho Falls ban pit bulls or other breeds?
What must a dangerous-dog owner do in Idaho Falls?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Idaho Falls
How Idaho Falls compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Idaho Falls to another location·View the Idaho animal ordinances overview
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