Cities That Ban Pit Bulls vs Cities That Don't (2026)

Breed-specific legislation, or BSL, refers to laws that restrict or ban specific dog breeds, most commonly pit bulls, rottweilers, and their mixes. The trend over the past decade has been strongly away from breed bans and toward breed-neutral dangerous dog laws, but BSL still exists in hundreds of jurisdictions.

States that prohibit breed bans

Over 20 states have passed laws preventing local governments from enacting breed-specific legislation. These include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. In these states, cities cannot ban pit bulls or any other breed. They can only regulate individual dogs that have been determined to be dangerous based on behavior.

Cities that still ban pit bulls

Despite the trend, breed bans remain in effect in parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and a few other states. Denver famously had a pit bull ban from 1989 until it was repealed by voter referendum in 2020. Miami-Dade County, Florida had a pit bull ban that was repealed in 2023. The most notable remaining ban is in the city of Denver's former policy, which has been replaced by a breed-restricted license system.

What breed restrictions look like

In cities with breed restrictions short of outright bans, the rules typically require: mandatory spay or neuter, liability insurance of $100,000 or more, muzzling in public, secure fencing with specific height requirements (usually 6 feet), registration with animal control, and microchipping. Some cities require "dangerous breed" owners to post signs on their property.

The argument against BSL

Every major veterinary and animal welfare organization opposes breed-specific legislation. The American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Kennel Club, the ASPCA, and the National Canine Research Council all oppose breed bans. Their position is that breed is not a reliable predictor of individual dog behavior, and that breed-neutral dangerous dog laws that focus on the behavior of individual animals are more effective at protecting public safety.

What to check before moving

If you own a pit bull, rottweiler, or mix and are considering a move, check both the city and county ordinances at your destination. Also check your prospective landlord's pet policy and your homeowners insurance carrier's breed list. Even in states that prohibit BSL, insurance companies and landlords can impose their own breed restrictions.