Surprise does not impose breed-specific dog restrictions. Arizona state law (ARS 11-1027) prohibits municipalities from enacting breed-specific legislation. Dogs are regulated based on individual behavior rather than breed. Dangerous or vicious dogs of any breed face additional restrictions.
Arizona law (ARS 11-1027) explicitly prohibits cities and counties from enacting breed-specific legislation (BSL). Surprise cannot ban or restrict any dog breed. Instead, Arizona uses a behavior-based approach where individual dogs are classified as dangerous or vicious based on their actions. Under ARS 11-1029, a dog that bites or attacks without provocation may be declared dangerous, requiring the owner to maintain liability insurance, microchip the dog, and confine it in a secure enclosure. A vicious dog (one that attacks causing serious injury) may be euthanized by court order. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) at (602) 506-7387 handles dangerous dog investigations. Homeowner's insurance policies may independently restrict certain breeds, and HOA communities may have breed or size restrictions through CC&Rs, which are private agreements.
Breed-specific restrictions cannot be imposed. Dangerous dog violations include failure to confine, lack of insurance, or allowing a declared dangerous dog to run at large. Penalties escalate up to felony charges for vicious dog attacks.
Surprise, AZ
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Surprise, AZ
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle breed restrictions.
See how Surprise's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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