Independence, MO Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis
- Behavior, not breed, since 2023
- Repealed
- Pit bull ban, § 3.03.006
- Requires
- Annual permit + $1M insurance
- 1st offense
- $150–$500, up to 90 days
- Citation
- City Code § 3.03.008
Summary
Independence repealed its breed-specific pit bull ban in 2023 and now declares dogs 'dangerous' based on behavior, requiring a permit, insurance, and secure confinement.
It shall be unlawful for any person to permit a dog owned by him/her, or a dog upon any premises occupied by him/her or under his/her control to demonstrate the behavior of a dangerous dog. For purposes of this section, a dangerous dog means any dog, other than a police dog used to assist Law Enforcement Officers acting in an official capacity, which demonstrates any of the following behavior:1.Attacks a person, resulting in an injury when such person is conducting himself or herself peacefully and lawfully.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
Section 3.03.006, formerly a breed-specific pit bull ban, was repealed effective August 4, 2023 by Ordinance No. 19444. In its place, Section 3.03.008 defines a 'dangerous dog' by conduct: one that injures a peacefully behaving person, kills or seriously injures another animal off its owner's property, or repeats aggressive-dog behavior after an earlier Section 3.03.007 classification. A dog declared dangerous needs an annual permit, microchipping and sterilization within ten days, a locked enclosure meeting minimum dimensions, a muzzle and six-foot leash outside the enclosure, a posted warning sign, and $1,000,000 in liability insurance.
Violations & Fines
A first dangerous-dog violation carries a $150–$500 fine and up to 90 days in jail; a second or later offense carries $350–$500 and up to 180 days, and a judge may order the dog removed or destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Independence still ban pit bulls by breed?
What must an owner do once a dog is declared dangerous?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Independence
How Independence compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Independence to another location·View the Missouri animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jackson County handle breed restrictions.