Sun Prairie, WI Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed restrictions
- None; rule is behavior-based
- Vicious dog trigger
- 2+ bites or 1 serious injury/12 mo
- Restraint required
- Muzzle or leash by adult family member
- Pet limit per household
- 2 dogs and 2 cats (unless kennel)
- First-offense penalty
- $25-$100 forfeiture
Summary
Sun Prairie does not restrict dogs by breed; it instead declares a dog vicious based on behavior, biting two or more people or inflicting one serious unprovoked injury off the owner's property within any twelve-month period, and then requires that dog to be muzzled or leashed by an adult family member whenever it leaves home, under Code § 6.04.060(B).
B.Vicious Dogs And Animals.1.No vicious dog shall be allowed off the premises of its owner unless muzzled or on a leash in charge of the owner or a member of the owner's immediate family over sixteen (16) years of age. For purposes of enforcing this section, a dog shall be deemed as being of a vicious disposition if, within any twelve (12) month period, it bites two or more persons or inflicts serious injury to one person in unprovoked circumstances off the owner's premises. Any vicious dog which is found off the premises of its owner other than as hereinabove provided, may be seized by any person, and upon delivery to the proper authorities, may, upon establishment to the satisfaction of a court of competent jurisdiction of the vicious character of such dog, by testimony under oath reduced to writing, be killed by the police authorities.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
Sun Prairie's ordinance does not name or restrict any dog breed. 060(B) instead uses a behavior-based vicious disposition test: a dog is deemed vicious if, within any twelve-month period, it bites two or more people or inflicts a serious injury on one person in unprovoked circumstances while off its owner's premises. Once a dog meets that test, it cannot leave its owner's property unless it is muzzled or on a leash held by the owner or by an immediate family member over sixteen years old.
A vicious dog found off its owner's property without a muzzle or leash can be seized by any person and delivered to the proper authorities; if a court finds, based on sworn testimony, that the dog is in fact vicious under the definition, the police are authorized to kill it. The same section, in Subsection C, separately makes it unlawful to harbor any animal, of any breed, that is habitually inclined toward attacking persons or animals, destroying property, barking excessively, or running after automobiles, again tying the restriction to conduct rather than breed.
060(A) layers on a related but distinct rule that applies to any dog or cat regardless of temperament: it is unlawful to own or keep one that habitually chases vehicles, assaults or attacks people, destroys property, is at large, or kills or wounds a domestic animal. Owners also remain liable for dog-bite damages under Wis. 060(E) caps most households at two dogs and two cats, or three of one species, unless the premises is licensed as a kennel.
Violations & Fines
Section 6.04.220(C) sets the penalty for violating Sections 6.04.060 through 6.04.140: a forfeiture of not less than $25 and not more than $100 for a first violation, rising to not less than $50 and not more than $200 for any subsequent violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sun Prairie ban pit bulls or other specific dog breeds?
What has to happen once a dog is declared vicious?
Can the city euthanize a dog declared vicious?
How many dogs and cats can one household keep in Sun Prairie?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sun Prairie
How Sun Prairie compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Sun Prairie to another location·View the Wisconsin animal ordinances overview
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