Syracuse, NY Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

5 of Chapter 16 defines a dangerous dog as one with a known propensity to attack unprovoked and endanger people or animals lawfully present, one that has already attacked a person, dog, cat or domestic animal without provocation, any dog kept for dog fighting or trained to fight, or any dog that meets the definition of a dangerous dog under section 121 of the state Agriculture and Markets Law. Once a dog is dangerous, the owner cannot let it go unconfined on the property: it must be secured indoors or inside a locked pen with sides at least six feet high or a secure top, and the premises must post a visible sign warning that a dangerous dog is kept there.

If the pen has no floor, its sides must be buried at least one foot into the ground. Off the property, the dog must be muzzled and restrained on a chain with a minimum tensile strength of three hundred pounds and a length of no more than three feet. Owners must also carry a liability insurance policy of at least $100,000 covering injury or death from an attack. Selling, buying, breeding or offering a dangerous dog for sale within the city is also prohibited, as is training, tormenting, baiting or using any dog to encourage unprovoked attacks.

Enforcement runs through the dog control officer or the Syracuse Police Department, which can petition Syracuse City Court to seize and impound a dangerous dog pending a hearing under Agriculture and Markets Law §121; if the dog presents a clear and present danger, the officer may seize it immediately and must seek a court order within forty-eight hours. Courts may also order the dog's destruction if it represents a continuing threat, and the owner must reimburse the city for shelter, food, veterinary and destruction costs.