Tazewell County, IL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

01 defines DANGEROUS DOG, POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOG, and VICIOUS DOG entirely by what an individual animal has done, not what it is. 35(A), an animal control officer, Deputy Administrator, or law enforcement agent can ask the Administrator or the state Director of Agriculture to declare a specific dog "dangerous" only after a documented investigation: notice to the owner within ten business days, a chance for the owner to meet with the Administrator, medical or veterinary evidence, witness interviews, and a written report, with the finding proven by a preponderance of the evidence.

Division (B) recognizes defenses, so a dog is not declared dangerous if it was responding to a trespasser, provocation, an attack on itself or its owner, or a threat to a companion animal. 35(C) orders a $50 public safety fee plus a fine of $250 to $1,000, and requires the dog to be microchipped and spayed or neutered within 14 days at the owner's expense; the Administrator can additionally order a behaviorist evaluation, adult supervision whenever the dog is off-property, a muzzle, secure fencing or leash control, warning signage, and notice if the owner relocates or gives the dog away. 37.