Rochester, MN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis
- Minn. Stats. §§ 347.50-347.565 by reference
- Local enclosure tweak
- Fenced yard counts as proper enclosure
- Sterilization
- Not required locally
- Bite bond/insurance
- $25,000.00 required
- Dog parks/trails
- Muzzle + substantial leash required
- Ownership ban
- 3rd conviction bars dog ownership
Summary
Rochester has no breed ban; it instead adopts Minnesota's dangerous-dog statute by reference, expands the definition of proper enclosure, drops the sterilization requirement, and requires a $25,000 bond or insurance policy once a hearing officer finds a dog potentially dangerous after a bite.
The provisions of Minn. Stats. §§ 347.50-347.565, relating to the regulation of dangerous dogs, are hereby incorporated by reference and adopted as part of this section... Notwithstanding the provisions of Minn. Stats. §§ 347.50-347.565, the following provisions shall apply: (1) The definition of the term "proper enclosure" shall be expanded...; (2) The dog owner shall not be required to have the dog sterilized; and (3) A surety bond or policy of liability insurance in the amount of $25,000.00 shall be required if the hearing officer determines that the dog is potentially dangerous as a result of biting a human.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 8 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 3-1-17(a) incorporates Minn. 565 wholesale as the city's dangerous-dog regime, and directs the city clerk to maintain a list of qualified impartial hearing officers for the hearings those statutes require. 00 surety bond or liability insurance policy. Subsection (c) adds a local restriction beyond the state law: no person may bring a dog that has been declared dangerous or potentially dangerous into any city dog park or trail unless it is muzzled, restrained on a substantial chain or leash, and under the physical control of a responsible person.
Separately, Sec. 3-1-21 bars dog ownership citywide for anyone with a third or subsequent chapter conviction, certain animal-cruelty or assault convictions, or whose dog was destroyed after related convictions; the prohibition binds other household members unless animal control approves otherwise in writing, and the owner may ask animal control to review the prohibition starting three years after conviction and annually after that.
Violations & Fines
Hearing officers appointed by the city clerk conduct the dangerous/potentially-dangerous determinations required by Minn. Stats. §§ 347.50-347.565. Bringing a declared dangerous or potentially dangerous dog into a city dog park or trail unmuzzled or unrestrained violates Sec. 3-1-17(c); chapter-wide penalties under Sec. 3-1-19 apply absent a more specific fine, up to $1,000.00 and/or 90 days in jail, and repeat offenders face the ownership prohibition in Sec. 3-1-21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rochester ban any dog breeds?
Can a declared dangerous dog go to a Rochester dog park?
What happens after a dog is found potentially dangerous for biting someone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rochester
How Rochester compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Rochester to another location·View the Minnesota animal ordinances overview
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