Illinois prohibits municipalities from declaring dogs dangerous or vicious solely based on breed under the Animal Control Act, requiring conduct-based determinations only.
Section 24 of the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/24) explicitly preempts local breed-specific legislation. No county or municipality may regulate dogs in a manner specific to breed. Dangerous and vicious dog determinations under 510 ILCS 5/15 and 5/15.1 must be based on individual conduct, such as biting humans or domestic animals without provocation. Local governments retain authority to regulate dogs through breed-neutral standards, including muzzling, confinement, and registration of individually-determined dangerous animals. This preemption protects pit bull, rottweiler, and similar breed owners from blanket municipal bans.
Local breed-specific ordinances are unenforceable; owners may challenge in court.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
See how Plano's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.