Springfield, OR Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed restrictions
- None; ordinance is behavior-based
- Governing section
- § 5.456 Vicious Dogs
- Behavior levels
- 5 tiers, Level 1 to Level 5
- Top penalty
- Class B misdemeanor (Level 5)
- Dog definition
- Covers 'any age, size, color or breed'
Summary
In the City of Springfield, Oregon, dangerous-dog enforcement is breed-neutral. Section 5.402 defines 'dog' to include an animal 'of any age, size, color or breed,' and Section 5.456 classifies a dog as vicious based solely on a five-level scale of documented aggressive or injurious behavior, not on breed. No section of the city's animal control code names or restricts any specific dog breed.
Dog. A highly variable, carnivorous, domesticated mammal, probably derived from several wild species. The term "dog" does not include wolf. The term "dog" includes male or female, of any age, size, color or breed. ... 5.456. ... Vicious Dogs. ... (1) The purpose of this section is to establish a procedure whereby dogs that pose a reasonably significant threat of causing serious injury to humans, domestic animals or livestock or property are identified and subjected to appropriate consequences and precautionary restrictions to prevent initial or additional injuries. (2) No person shall own or be the keeper of a dog in city limits which is found to engage in the following behaviors: (a) Level 1 behavior is established if a dog at large is found to menace, chase, display threatening or aggressive behavior or otherwise threatens or endangers the safety of any domestic animal or livestock.
Full Breakdown
Springfield Municipal Code Section 5.456 sets up a behavior-based system rather than a breed list. Section 5.456(1) states its purpose is to identify 'dogs that pose a reasonably significant threat of causing serious injury to humans, domestic animals or livestock or property' and subject them to 'appropriate consequences and precautionary restrictions.' Subsection 5.456(2) then defines five escalating behavior levels: Level 1 covers an at-large dog that menaces or threatens livestock or another domestic animal; Level 2 covers menacing a person or service animal; Level 3 is a bite or injury to livestock while at large; Level 4 is a bite or injury to a person or service animal, confined or not; and Level 5 covers a death, a killing of livestock or a domestic animal, or training a dog to fight.
Penalties climb with the level, from a Class C violation at Level 1 through a Class B misdemeanor at Level 5, all under Section 1.205. An animal control officer has discretion under Section 5.456(3) not to classify a dog as vicious if the victim provoked it, and Section 5.456(4) and (5) shield a licensed watchdog or a dog that reacts to a trespasser illegally entering a residence. The 'Dog' definition in Section 5.402 covers every dog 'of any age, size, color or breed,' confirming the ordinance draws no distinction by breed anywhere in Sections 5.400 to 5.476.
Violations & Fines
Vicious-dog behavior is penalized by level under Section 5.456(7): Level 1 is a Class C violation, Level 2 a Class B violation, Level 3 a Class A violation, Level 4 a Class C misdemeanor and Level 5 a Class B misdemeanor, each tied to the $720.00 fine cap in Section 1.205. None of the five levels turns on the dog's breed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Springfield, Oregon ban pit bulls or other specific dog breeds?
How does Springfield decide a dog is dangerous?
What is the penalty for a Level 5 vicious dog finding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
How Springfield compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Springfield to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle breed restrictions.