New Orleans, LA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed test
- Judge may not use breed, City Code §18-294(b)
- Classification basis
- Bite/attack history, evaluated case-by-case
- Dangerous-dog fee
- $100.00 annual inspection fee, §18-297(k)
- Leash limit (potentially dangerous)
- 6-foot leash, §18-296(b)
- Sign size
- Minimum 8"×11" warning sign, §18-297(j)
- Max penalty
- $500 fine / 6 months, §18-18(b)
Summary
New Orleans has no breed ban. City Code § 18-294 expressly says the municipal court judge classifying a dog as potentially dangerous, dangerous, or vicious "shall not base the determination on the breed of the dog": classification turns solely on the dog's own bite or attack history.
Sec. 18-294. - Responsibility for classification. (a)A hearing shall be conducted in the municipal court for the purpose of determining the classification of a dog as potentially dangerous, dangerous or vicious based upon all evidence introduced at hearing, including investigative reports and recommendations submitted by the agency. The burden of proof for all classifications shall rest with the agency and shall be by a preponderance of the evidence.(b)The presiding judge shall consider the nature of the attack and the extent and severity of any injuries sustained as a result in making the determination of classification. The judge shall not base the determination on the breed of the dog.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 116 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 18, Division 4 sets up a behavior-based classification system rather than a breed list. Section 18-292 lets a dog be deemed "potentially dangerous" for an unprovoked bite causing minor or moderate injury, or for chasing someone in a menacing or attacking manner; "dangerous" requires an unprovoked bite causing moderate or severe injury, killing a domestic animal, or a repeat act after a potentially-dangerous designation; "vicious" requires killing a person or a repeat dangerous act after a severe-injury bite. Section 18-294(a) puts the burden of proof on the agency at a municipal court hearing, by a preponderance of the evidence, and § 18-294(b) is explicit about what the judge may weigh: "The presiding judge shall consider the nature of the attack and the extent and severity of any injuries sustained as a result in making the determination of classification.
" That anti-breed clause also reaches interstate transfers: § 18-297(i) lets a dog deemed dangerous elsewhere register and live in Orleans Parish, but bars housing a dog deemed vicious elsewhere here only "provided that the determination of viciousness was based, at least in part, on factor(s) other than the breed of the dog", meaning a dog labeled vicious purely for its breed in another jurisdiction isn't automatically excluded from New Orleans. 00 annual agency inspection fee under § 18-297.
Violations & Fines
Section 18-293(a) makes it unlawful to keep or permit to be kept any dog classified as vicious anywhere in Orleans Parish. A dangerous-dog owner who fails to meet the § 18-297 enclosure, muzzle, spay/neuter, signage, or fee requirements is subject to Chapter 18's general penalty under § 18-18(b): up to a $500.00 fine, up to six months' imprisonment, and/or community service. Under § 18-297(g), the owner must also pay any court-adjudicated medical damages to a bite victim, and if unable to pay, the dog becomes property of the agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Orleans ban pit bulls or other specific dog breeds?
How does a dog get classified as "dangerous" in New Orleans?
What must an owner of a dangerous dog do to keep it in New Orleans?
If my dog was labeled "vicious" for its breed in another state, can I bring it to New Orleans?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Orleans
How New Orleans compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare New Orleans to another location·View the Louisiana animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.