Lee's Summit, MO Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Section 5-83 sets seven behavior-based triggers for classifying a dog as dangerous: inflicting a severe or fatal injury on a person; killing another animal without provocation while off the owner's property; being kept or trained for dogfighting; biting a person unprovoked on public property or biting a stranger while on the owner's own property; unprovoked menacing chases or attack postures toward a person; and a documented propensity to attack or threaten people or animals. Nothing in the section singles out any breed. An owner who disputes the classification can request a hearing within five working days before a board made up of the Public Safety Advisory Board chair, the Police Chief and the Administration Division Commander, which must convene within 10 working days and issue written findings within five days of the hearing; the dog must stay confined pending that outcome.

Once declared dangerous, Section 5-84 imposes ongoing duties: a bright orange collar with a large colored tag at all times; secure confinement in a locked pen at least 5 feet by 10 feet with a secure top and sides sunk 12 inches into the ground, never shared with another animal except nursing puppies under three months; immediate notice to Animal Control if the dog gets loose, dies, or is sold or given away; a posted warning sign visible from the street; off-property movement only while muzzled and on a chain or leash no longer than six feet under a responsible handler; proof of at least $300,000 in liability insurance for the license year; two profile photographs within 10 days of the declaration; and an implanted microchip registered with the Supervisor of Animal Control. A dog whose owner is unwilling to comply can be seized and impounded for at least 10 days or until compliance is shown.