Rock Island County, IL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

County Code Sec. 050 lets an animal control warden, Deputy Administrator, or law enforcement agent ask the Administrator or Director to deem an individual dog dangerous after a thorough investigation that includes notifying the owner within ten business days, gathering medical and veterinary evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing a detailed written report; the dog can only be deemed dangerous by a preponderance of the evidence. A dog cannot be found dangerous if it was defending against a crime, trespass, or assault on its owner, was itself being abused or threatened, or was protecting its own offspring, and expert testimony from a certified applied behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist can support that defense.

Sec. 051 sets a higher bar for a vicious dog finding: the case must go to the Circuit Court, the petitioner must prove the dog is vicious by clear and convincing evidence, and the code states plainly that vicious dogs shall not be classified in a manner specific as to breed. An owner given a dangerous-dog determination can appeal in writing within ten days to a hearing officer appointed by the County Board, present evidence, and get a written decision; a vicious-dog finding by the Circuit Court can likewise be appealed, which automatically stays any euthanasia order.

Guide, support, sentry, guard, and police dogs are exempt from both sections as long as they are currently rabies-vaccinated and were performing their expected duties when the incident occurred.