Knoxville, TN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed-based bans
- Not recognized by city
- Designation basis
- Bite/attack history only
- Level 2 insurance
- $100,000 minimum liability
- Penalty
- $50/day continuing violation
Summary
Knoxville's dangerous-dog law bases designations solely on a dog's own bite or attack history in municipal court, and expressly refuses to recognize any dangerous-dog label, from Knoxville or elsewhere, grounded only in the dog's breed.
No such designation as a level one or level two dangerous dog or any similar such designation by another lawful body, humane society or governmental entity shall be recognized by the city if such designation is based solely upon the breed of the dog. Any person relocating a dog to the city is subject to the restrictions set forth in this article.
(Ord. No. O-145-06, § 1, 2-7-06; Ord. No. O-171-2023, § 1, 12-12-23)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
Knoxville designates dogs 'level one' or 'level two' dangerous only through a municipal court finding based on the dog's own bite or attack history under § 5-128: never by breed. Section 5-135 goes further: even a dangerous-dog designation issued by another city, humane society or agency won't be recognized in Knoxville if it rests solely on the dog's breed. A level one dog must be confined, restrained off-property, complete an obedience course, and be microchipped; level two dogs face a locked, six-foot secure enclosure, mandatory neutering, $100,000 liability insurance and warning signage.
Violations & Fines
Possessing a designated level one or level two dangerous dog without complying with its court-ordered restraint, enclosure, insurance and signage conditions is a violation punishable by a $50 fine per day the violation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Knoxville ban specific dog breeds?
How does a dog get labeled 'dangerous' in Knoxville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knoxville
How Knoxville compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Knoxville to another location·View the Tennessee animal ordinances overview
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