Linn County, IA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Linn County Code § 6-57, § 6-70
- Basis
- Bite/attack behavior, not breed
- Consequence
- Surrender for euthanasia
- Appeal window
- 2 working days
Summary
Linn County has no breed-specific dog ban; instead it declares any animal that bites or attacks without provocation "vicious" and requires its surrender for euthanasia.
Vicious animal means an animal that has attacked and/or bitten a person without provocation... No person shall continue to own or keep a vicious animal in the county. Upon written notice by a law enforcement officer, an animal alleged to be vicious shall be surrendered to the animal control officer for euthanasia.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 16).
Full Breakdown
Linn County Code § 6-57 defines a vicious animal by conduct, not breed: one that has attacked and/or bitten a person without provocation, with carve-outs for security/police dogs on duty and bites on a person committing a crime. Under § 6-70(a), no one may continue to own a vicious animal in the county; once a law enforcement officer gives written notice, it must be surrendered to the animal control officer for euthanasia, though owners can appeal to the board of supervisors within two working days under § 6-70(b).
Violations & Fines
Refusal to surrender a declared vicious animal is enforced under Chapter 1, Article II as a county infraction (§ 6-78); the animal may be seized and the owner billed for confinement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Linn County ban pit bulls or other specific breeds?
Can an owner appeal a vicious animal surrender order?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Linn County
How Linn County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Linn County to another location·View the Iowa animal ordinances overview
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