West Valley City, UT Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

West Valley City's vicious dog ordinance, Chapter 23-8 of the Municipal Code, does not target specific breeds. Instead it turns on conduct: Section 23-1-102(35) defines a Vicious Dog as one that approaches a person in a vicious or terrorizing manner in public, has a known propensity to attack or injure, or that has bitten, assaulted or otherwise attacked a person or domestic animal. Once the Animal Control Division makes that determination, Section 23-8-101 bars the City from licensing the dog unless the owner meets five conditions: carrying at least $25,000 in liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured for notice of cancellation; having the dog tattooed with its license number on the upper inner lip or upper left rear thigh by a licensed veterinarian; posting a warning sign visible from the public highway; signing a statement promising to maintain the insurance, keep a secure locked enclosure with sides, top and bottom designed to prevent escape, and report any escape, attack or death to Animal Control; and keeping the dog in a collar of a color and type the Division designates.

Section 23-8-102 requires the enclosure to stay locked at all times and, outside it, the dog must be muzzled and restrained on a chain with at least 300 pounds of tensile strength and no more than three feet long, under the direct control of a capable handler. An Animal Control Officer or peace officer may inspect for compliance and seize any vicious dog whose owner fails to meet these terms. A dog declared vicious that then attacks unprovoked can be destroyed by Animal Control or Police after a ten-day appeal period under Section 23-8-105, with any appeal of a Hearing Officer's order going to the District Court within ten days.