Neenah, WI Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis for regulation
- Documented conduct, not breed
- Decision-maker
- Police Chief or designee
- Liability insurance
- $1,000,000 minimum required
- Public leash length
- Max 6 feet, muzzled
- Prohibited-animal deadline
- Remove/euthanize in 5 business days
Summary
Neenah does not ban dogs by breed. Instead, the Police Chief declares individual animals "potentially dangerous," "dangerous," or "prohibited dangerous" based on documented behavior, then imposes licensing, muzzling, and confinement rules on that specific animal.
(b)Police Chief's authority. The Police Chief or his/her designee may, in accordance with the definitions of Section 3-1, determine an animal to be a:(1)Potentially dangerous animal;(2)Dangerous animal; or(3)Prohibited dangerous animal. ... (f)(2)The dangerous animal while off the premises where kept must be muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length and under the direct control and supervision of a competent adult person at least 18 years of age.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 3-31, the Police Chief or a designee decides case-by-case whether an animal is potentially dangerous, dangerous, or prohibited dangerous, based on bites, attacks, or fighting history, not breed. A dog declared dangerous needs a separate annual dangerous-animal license, must be muzzled with a basket-type muzzle and leashed to six feet in public, kept in a locked, child-proof pen when outdoors, and covered by at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance. A prohibited dangerous animal must be removed from the City or euthanized within five business days. Owners may appeal any declaration to the Public Services and Safety Committee within five business days.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a declared dangerous animal without the required license, muzzle, secure pen, or $1,000,000 liability insurance violates § 3-31(d)-(f); a second unprovoked bite or attack escalates the animal to "prohibited dangerous," triggering a City order to remove or euthanize it within five business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Neenah ban pit bulls or other dog breeds?
What must an owner do once a dog is declared "dangerous"?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Neenah
How Neenah compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Neenah to another location·View the Wisconsin animal ordinances overview
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