Memphis, TN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis for designation
- Bite/attack history, not breed
- Registration deadline
- 30 days after classification
- Required insurance/bond
- $50,000.00 minimum
- Leash length outdoors
- No longer than 4 feet
- Kennel setback
- 20 ft from street, 10 ft from property line
- Boarding fee during hearing
- $68.00 per day
Summary
Memphis has no breed ban; instead Chapter 8-20 declares individual dogs dangerous or vicious based on bite or attack history, then forces owners into registration, insurance, confinement and muzzling requirements.
Dangerous/vicious animal means any dog, or animal of the canine family, that according to records of the appropriate authority has: 1. Aggressively bitten, attacked, or has otherwise inflicted injury on a human being on public or private property; 2. Severely injured or killed a human being; 3. Been used primarily, or in part, for the purpose of dog fighting or any other aggressive activity; 4. Aggressively and unprovoked, while off its owner's property, attacked another domestic animal causing serious injury or death; 5. Bitten once and been found at large twice. ... No person shall permit a dangerous/vicious animal to go outside its kennel or pen unless such animal is outfitted with a choke or pinch collar and securely leashed with a substantial chain or leash no longer than four feet in length.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32 | Charter: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 8-20 defines a 'dangerous/vicious animal' by conduct, not breed: a dog qualifies if records show it aggressively bit or attacked a person, severely injured or killed a person, was used for dog fighting, unprovoked attacked another domestic animal off its owner's property causing serious injury or death, or bit once and was found at large twice (§ 8-20-1). 00 per day, with the first 30 days due in advance within ten days of intake; unpaid boarding fees mean forfeiture. Failure to respond to the summons results in automatic dangerous/vicious classification, forfeiture of ownership, and, absent the owner appearing within five days to show cause, a court order to destroy the dog.
00 registration/tag fee; missing the 30-day window forfeits the dog to the city. Section 8-20-4 mandates confinement: outside its kennel the animal must be muzzled and leashed with a chain or leash no longer than four feet, and any outdoor pen must sit at least 20 feet from any street or sidewalk and ten feet from any property line, with secure locked sides, top and floor. Owners must immediately report if a classified animal runs at large, bites a human, is sold, given away, dies, or is moved (§ 8-20-3(C)).
Violations & Fines
Failing to answer the dangerous/vicious summons forfeits the dog and can lead to a court-ordered destruction order if the owner does not show cause within five days. Missing the 30-day registration deadline forfeits the animal to the city; letting required liability insurance lapse is itself a violation of the chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Memphis ban specific dog breeds?
What must an owner do once a dog is declared dangerous/vicious?
How must a dangerous/vicious dog be confined at home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Memphis
How Memphis compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Memphis to another location·View the Tennessee animal ordinances overview
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