Sheboygan, WI Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Section 18-47 defines two classes. A vicious dog includes a dog that caused a serious injury to or killed a person or domestic animal, caused an injury by biting a person in the face or neck, or was owned, harbored, or trained primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting. A dangerous dog includes one that chased or attacked a person or domestic animal without provocation, showed a known propensity to attack, or ran at large three or more times in any 12-month period. Subsection (a)(4) states that no dog shall be deemed dangerous solely based upon its breed, so Sheboygan prints no list of banned breeds.

Dangerous dogs are allowed under strict terms. The owner registers the dog with the police department within ten days and again before April 1 each year, supplying a color photograph, proof of license and rabies certificate, proof from a veterinarian of spaying or neutering, proof of liability insurance of $300,000.00 (or a surety bond of at least $300,000.00), and a $75.00 fee. The dog must carry an implanted identification device, and a warning sign with letters no less than two inches high must be posted. Outdoors the dog needs a fenced yard at least six feet tall, stockade style, completely opaque and embedded at least 18 inches, or a locked pen set at least ten feet from any lot line. Off the enclosure it must be on a leash no more than four feet long, attached to a prong training collar, held by an adult at least 18 years old, and muzzled. The police chief can waive a requirement in writing.

A police officer makes the declaration in writing. The owner can request a hearing in writing to the chief of police within thirty days of the notice. The hearing is held within 15 days of the request before a committee of the common council, with at least ten days notice, and the committee decides within 20 days of completion of the hearing and any briefs. Judicial review follows Wis. Stats. § 68.13. A dog loses dangerous status after 36 consecutive months without the listed behaviors, or after the dog and owner complete the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Program and six consecutive months pass.