Madison has no breed-specific legislation (BSL). All breeds including pit bulls are legal. Dangerous-dog designations under WI Stat 174.042 and MGO 23.32 are behavior-based, not breed-based.
Wisconsin has no statewide preemption of breed-specific legislation, but Madison has chosen not to enact BSL. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and all other breeds are legal in Madison without special permits. Instead, Madison uses behavior-based dangerous-dog and vicious-dog procedures. Under WI Stat 174.042 and MGO 23.32, a dog that bites a person or domestic animal without provocation, or otherwise behaves aggressively, may be declared potentially dangerous or dangerous. Declared dogs must be muzzled in public, kept in a secure enclosure, registered with the city, and covered by liability insurance. Nearby jurisdictions differ: some smaller Wisconsin cities do maintain BSL, so Madison renters should verify when moving. Landlords and insurers in Madison may still impose breed restrictions in private leases.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Madison, WI
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Madison, WI
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Madison, WI
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Madison, WI
Madison requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Permits route through Madison Buildi...
Madison, WI
Madison has no specific smoker ordinance. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) and Chapter 7 (Public Health) provide nuisance authority for excessive smoke. Wisconsin DNR ...
Madison, WI
Madison Fire Code under MGO Chapter 34 adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (SPS 361-366) and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 314 (Fire Prevention...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dane County.
See how other cities in Dane County handle breed restrictions.
See how Madison's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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