Milwaukee County, WI Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Wisconsin BSL preemption
- None; municipalities may restrict
- City of Milwaukee rule
- Code 78-22, pit bull/Rottweiler
- Covered breeds
- Pit bull types, Rottweiler (½ or more)
- Handler and training
- Walker 16+, owner behavior class
- Owner liability
- Wis. Stat. 174.02, full/double damages
Summary
Wisconsin has no statewide preemption of breed-specific legislation, so municipalities may restrict breeds. The City of Milwaukee's Code 78-22 imposes special leash, handler-age, training and fencing rules on pit bull and Rottweiler type dogs. State law makes owners strictly liable for injuries under Wis. Stat. 174.02.
The owner of a dog is liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog injuring or causing injury to a person, domestic animal or property.
Full Breakdown
Unlike California or New York, Wisconsin does NOT preempt local breed-specific ordinances, so cities and villages in Milwaukee County may regulate or ban breeds. City of Milwaukee Code 78-22 places special requirements on dogs one half or more American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire terrier, American Pit Bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, miniature bull terrier or Rottweiler. Anyone walking such a dog must be at least 16 and able to control it, the owner must attend a behavior class, and the yard needs a non-climbable containing fence or an approved concrete-floor kennel. South Milwaukee formerly banned pit bulls but repealed it in 2017. Statewide, Wis. Stat. 174.02 makes an owner liable for full damages, doubled for a repeat scarring bite.
Violations & Fines
Failure to meet City of Milwaukee Code 78-22 fence or kennel rules can bring citations exceeding $2,000. Walking a covered dog while under 16 or skipping the behavior class are separate violations. Wis. Stat. 174.02 imposes full-damages liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Wisconsin cities ban dog breeds?
Are pit bulls legal in the City of Milwaukee?
What is a dog owner's liability if their dog bites?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee County
How Milwaukee County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Milwaukee County to another location·View the Wisconsin animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.