Minneapolis, MN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis for declaration
- Documented behavior, not breed
- Declaring authority
- Minneapolis Animal Care & Control (MACC)
- Dangerous-animal insurance
- $300,000 minimum liability coverage
- Appeal window
- 14 calendar days after notice
- Governing chapter
- Minneapolis Code Ch. 66
Summary
Minneapolis has no breed-specific dog ordinance; MACC designates animals "potentially dangerous" or "dangerous" based solely on documented bite or attack behavior under Minneapolis Code § 66.10, regardless of breed.
Potentially dangerous animal shall mean any animal, except an animal assisting a peace officer engaged in law enforcement duties and/or animals trained by a recognized program within an established curriculum for training animals for services such as rescue and recovery, which demonstrates any of the following behavior:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances Chapter 66 defines "potentially dangerous animal" and "dangerous animal" entirely by documented conduct, unprovoked bites, attacks, or a proven propensity to threaten people or other animals, with no breed named anywhere in the chapter. Once Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC) issues a declaration under § 66.10, the owner must comply with § 66.50's registration, muzzle, secured-enclosure, and (for "dangerous" animals) $300,000 liability-insurance requirements, regardless of the animal's breed. A dog cannot be declared dangerous, and an owner cannot face these restrictions, based on breed alone.
Violations & Fines
Failing to register, microchip, muzzle, or build the required enclosure after a declaration lets MACC confiscate the animal for disposition under Chapter 66; a "dangerous" declaration also requires proof of $300,000 in liability insurance within 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Minneapolis ban pit bulls or other specific dog breeds?
What happens once a dog is declared dangerous?
Can I appeal a dangerous-dog declaration?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
How Minneapolis compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Minneapolis to another location·View the Minnesota animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hennepin County handle breed restrictions.