Reading, PA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Who decides
- Animal Control Officer or Police
- Appeal window
- 14 days to Animal Control Board
- Fine range
- $500 to $1,000 plus costs
- Required proof
- Current rabies shot, microchip, license
Summary
Reading's Animal Control Officer or police can formally declare a dog aggressive or an animal vicious after a complaint, triggering mandatory registration, a permit, a visible warning sign, and a distinctive tag under Chapter 141.
Upon receiving a complaint directed to the Reading Police Department, the Animal Control Officer or any other authorized representative of the City, the Animal Control Officer or the City Police shall make a determination as to whether the dog which is the subject of a complaint shall be determined and deemed to be an aggressive dog, or whether any other animal which is the subject of a complaint shall be deemed and determined to be a vicious animal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under § 141-216, the Animal Control Officer or Reading Police investigate any complaint and decide whether a dog is aggressive or another animal is vicious, based on definitions at § 141-202, not breed. A dog acting to defend a person from attack, or reacting to teasing or an attempted crime, cannot be declared aggressive. Owners get 14 days to appeal to the Animal Control Board, which must hold a hearing within 15 business days. Once declared, the owner must register the animal, obtain a permit, keep current rabies proof and microchipping, post a warning sign visible from the street, and fit the animal with a permit tag reading 'aggressive dog' or 'vicious animal.'
Violations & Fines
Owning an aggressive dog or vicious animal without the required permit draws a fine of $500 to $1,000 plus costs; violations tied to a declared aggressive dog carry the same $500-$1,000 range under § 141-225(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Reading ban specific dog breeds?
What happens after a dog is declared aggressive?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
How Reading compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Reading to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview
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