Lake Charles, LA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Lake Charles regulates dangerous dogs by behavior, not breed. S. 14. Once an animal is deemed dangerous, Section 4-38 requires the owner to confine and control it at all times under the Code's "confinement requirements (dangerous)" standard: a securely enclosed and locked pen of nine-gauge material or stronger, no smaller than 100 square feet with sides at least six feet tall, embedded a foot into the ground if not on a concrete slab, with a secure top so the animal cannot climb out, plus shelter from the elements.

The owner must have the animal microchipped, provide two color identification photographs to the animal services and adoption center, and submit to inspection of the permanent confinement area before the animal is released back to them. Outside the pen, a dangerous dog may only be transported securely leashed and muzzled in a way that does not injure it or block its vision or breathing, and any ownership change must be reported to the animal services and adoption center. Failure to meet confinement requirements results in impoundment, and if the owner fails to respond to the resulting citation within the stated period, the animal becomes shelter property and is euthanized under shelter policy as ordered by the director, without further owner notice.