Scranton, PA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Pennsylvania has statutory preemption of breed-specific local ordinances. Section 459-507-A(c) at https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-3-ps-agriculture/pa-st-sect-3-459-507-a.html states that a local ordinance otherwise dealing with dogs may not prohibit or otherwise limit a specific breed of dog, and the statute abrogates earlier conflicting local ordinances. Scranton, as a Third Class City operating under a Home Rule Charter, is bound by this state-level limit on its police power and has not enacted any breed-specific list. Scranton's Chapter 169 of the Code at https://ecode360.com/11604508 instead regulates dogs by behavior — restraint, nuisance, vicious classifications — and provides that any person keeping a vicious dog which has bitten or attempted to bite any human being is liable for damages and the dog may, after investigation by the Superintendent of Police, be killed upon sight (with limited exceptions for dwellings). The state Dangerous Dog Act at 3 P.S. Section 459-502-A (https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-3-ps-agriculture/pa-st-sect-3-459-502-a/) defines 'dangerous dog' based on attacks causing severe injury, attacks without provocation, killing or maiming a domestic animal, or being used in commission of a crime — never by breed. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, and similar breeds receive the same legal treatment as any other dog in Scranton. Owners of dogs adjudicated dangerous must maintain at least $50,000 in liability insurance, a secure enclosure, and posted warning signs under state law.