New Orleans, LA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Unlike some Louisiana parishes, Orleans Parish does not maintain a breed-specific ordinance. Any breed may be owned subject to general licensing, vaccination, and leash requirements. Once a dog is declared dangerous under Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:1300.53 (after biting a person without provocation, killing a domestic animal, or behaving aggressively in a manner causing reasonable fear of attack), the owner must register the dog as dangerous, confine it in a secure enclosure with locked gate when on the property, muzzle and leash it when off the property, post warning signs visible from public access, and maintain liability insurance of at least 100,000 dollars. A dog that causes serious bodily injury or death may be declared vicious and ordered euthanized after a hearing. The Louisiana SPCA, as the city's animal control contractor, investigates bite reports and conducts dangerous dog hearings. Homeowner's insurance policies often exclude or surcharge specific breeds even though the city does not, so renters and owners should verify coverage. Landlords and HOAs may impose breed restrictions in lease agreements and covenants that are enforceable as private contracts even though the city does not regulate breed.