Sangamon County, IL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed classification
- Expressly prohibited
- Basis for action
- Individual court finding only
- Standard of proof
- Clear and convincing evidence
- Exempt
- Law-enforcement and guard dogs
Summary
Sangamon County does not classify dangerous or vicious dogs by breed; the code expressly bars breed-specific classification and requires an individual court finding instead.
No dog shall be deemed "vicious" if it is a professionally trained dog for law enforcement or guard duties. Vicious dogs shall not be classified in a manner that is specific as to breed. If the burden of proof is met, the court shall deem the dog to be a vicious dog.
(Res. No. 9, 8-9-2011)
6.04.100.1 Vicious Dogs; Confinement, Control, Impoundment. If a dog is found to be a vicious dog, the dog shall be spayed or neutered within ten days of the finding at the expense of its owner and microchipped, if not already, and is subject to enclosure. The court has the discretion to order a vicious dog be euthanized. A dog found to be vicious dog shall not be released to the owner until the administrator, or his or her designee, approves the enclosure. No owner or custodian of a vicious dog shall sell or give away the dog without court approval. Whenever an owner of a vicious dog relocates, he or she shall notify both the administrator of the county animal control where he or she has relocated and the administrator of the county animal [control] where he or she formerly resided. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any dog which has been found to be a vicious dog unless the dog is kept in an enclosure. The only times that a vicious dog may be allowed out of the enclosure are: If it is necessary for the owner or keeper to obtain veterinary care for the dog; In the case of an emergency or natural disaster where the dog's life is threatened; or
Full Breakdown
The county's vicious-dog statute bars breed-specific classification outright: vicious dogs shall not be classified in a manner that is specific as to breed. Instead, a dog can only be declared vicious after the administrator investigates, gathers evidence, and the state's attorney or a citizen files a circuit court petition that must be proven by clear and convincing evidence. Professionally trained law-enforcement and guard dogs are exempt from a vicious finding altogether, and the court can excuse a dog's conduct if it was provoked or defending itself.
Violations & Fines
None for breed alone: there is no breed-based penalty. Consequences (mandatory spay/neuter, enclosure, possible euthanasia) attach only after an individualized court finding of "vicious" under § 6.04.100.1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls or other breeds banned in Sangamon County?
Who can request a vicious-dog finding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sangamon County
How Sangamon County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Sangamon County to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview
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