Yakima, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Yakima enacted a pit bull ban in 1987 (former YMC Chapter 6.18, 'Pit Bull Dogs') that made it unlawful to keep, harbor, own, or possess an American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog, American Staffordshire terrier, or mix of any of these breeds within the city. After a multi-year repeal effort, the Yakima City Council voted 5-2 in 2018 to repeal the ban; the change took effect Sept. 23, 2018. Yakima now regulates dogs by conduct rather than breed. Per the 2023 YMC Chapter 6.20 update, the city strengthened its 'dangerous dog' definition (including dogs that chase someone in a 'menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack') and prohibits dangerous dogs within city limits unless boarded at an animal shelter or temporarily brought in with Animal Control permission. Washington state law (HB 1026, 2019; codified at RCW 16.08.110, effective Jan. 1, 2020) generally preempts local breed-specific bans, although a city may retain a breed-specific regulation only if it provides a process for exempting individual dogs that pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test or its equivalent (exempt for at least two years). Yakima has not re-enacted any breed ban under that exemption framework.