Lincoln, NE Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed Ban
- None -- behavior-based system
- Code
- LMC Chapter 6.10
- PDD Appeal
- 10 days to appeal or surrender
- Requirements
- Secure confinement, muzzle, insurance
- State Law
- Neb. Rev. Stat. §§54-617 to 54-624
Summary
Lincoln has no breed ban. LMC Chapter 6.10 uses a behavior-based dangerous and potentially dangerous dog declaration system. Dogs are evaluated on bite history, not breed.
Nebraska Revised Statute 54-617. Dangerous dogs; terms, defined. For purposes of sections 54-617 to 54-624: (1) Animal control authority means an entity authorized to enforce the animal control laws of a county, city, or village or this state and includes any local law enforcement agency or other agency designated by a county, city, or village to enforce the animal control laws of such county, city, or village; [...] (3)(a) Dangerous dog means a dog that, according to the records of an animal control authority: (i) Has killed a human being; (ii) has inflicted injury on a human being that requires medical treatment; (iii) has killed a domestic animal without provocation; or (iv) has been previously determined to be a potentially dangerous dog by an animal control authority, the owner has received notice from an animal control authority or an animal control officer of such determination, and the dog inflicts an injury on a human being that does not require medical treatment, injures a domestic animal, or threatens the safety of humans or domestic animals. [...] (7) Potentially dangerous dog means (a) any dog that when unprovoked (i) inflicts an injury on a human being that does not require medical treatment, (ii) injures a domestic animal, or (iii) chases or approaches a person upon streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack or (b) any specific dog with a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack when unprovoked, to cause injury, or to threaten the safety of humans or domestic animals.
Full Breakdown
Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 6.10 establishes a system for declaring dogs as dangerous or potentially dangerous based on behavior, not breed. A Potentially Dangerous Dog (PDD) declaration is issued by Animal Control after an incident of unprovoked aggression, which may include minor bites to humans, attacks on other animals, or menacing behavior toward people on public property. Once a PDD is issued, the owner has 10 days to either surrender the dog or file an appeal. If the declaration stands, owners must comply with specific requirements including secure confinement, muzzling in public, liability insurance, and prominent signage. Lincoln city officials have stated they target irresponsible owners rather than specific breeds. Nebraska state law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§54-617 through 54-624) also provides a framework for dangerous dog regulation statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lincoln ban pit bulls or any specific dog breeds?
What happens if my dog is declared potentially dangerous in Lincoln?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
How Lincoln compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska animal ordinances overview
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