Omaha, NE Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Omaha doesn't ban pit bulls outright, but it regulates them by name. Under Sec. 6-163, a pit bull outdoors must be confined in a securely fenced yard or kept on a leash no longer than six feet, muzzled, and controlled by someone 19 or older; the muzzle/leash rule kicks in once the dog is six months old. The code defines "pit bull" to include American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinos, Presa Canarios, Cane Corsos, American Bulldogs, and any dog whose physical traits substantially match AKC or UKC breed standards for those breeds.

Owners must also carry a minimum $100,000 public liability insurance policy under Sec. 6-157. An owner can apply for a "breed ambassador" designation (Sec. 6-165) that waives the muzzle rule if the dog is sterilized, microchipped, insured, vaccinated, and passes a Canine Good Citizenship test, but the dog must then wear an animal-control-issued vest identifying it as a breed ambassador whenever it's out of a fenced yard.