Lakeville, MN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Lakeville does not have a breed-specific ordinance banning pit bulls or any other breed. Instead, individual dogs are regulated based on behavior under Minnesota's statewide dangerous-dog framework in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 347 (Sections 347.50-347.52), which Minnesota law applies uniformly and which preempts breed-based local bans. Under the state framework and Lakeville's animal-control provisions, a dog declared dangerous must be registered, the premises must prominently post a visible warning sign (including a warning symbol to inform children) that a dangerous dog is present, and the dog must be kept in a proper enclosure. If a dangerous dog is taken outside the proper enclosure it must be muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash not longer than 6 feet and be under the physical restraint of a responsible person; the muzzle must prevent biting without injuring the dog or interfering with its vision or breathing. Minnesota Statutes 347.51 also requires a dangerous-dog owner to obtain liability insurance or a surety bond of at least $300,000, pay an annual registration fee, and have the dog microchipped. Because Lakeville sets no breed list, owners of any breed are treated equally unless an individual dog meets the statutory dangerous or potentially dangerous definitions.