Breed Restrictions: Grand Rapids vs Kentwood

Are pit bulls banned in Grand Rapids?

No. Grand Rapids does not have breed-specific legislation. No breed is banned. Dogs are evaluated based on individual behavior, not breed.

Can my Grand Rapids dog be declared dangerous?

Yes, based on behavior. Dogs that bite or act aggressively can be declared dangerous regardless of breed, triggering additional requirements for the owner.

Do Grand Rapids landlords have to allow pit bulls?

City law does not ban pit bulls, but landlords and insurers can set their own pet policies. The city does not require landlords to accept any specific breed.

Are pit bulls banned in Kent County, Michigan?

No. The Kent County Animal Control Ordinance (Ord. No. 06-23-22-82, effective July 1, 2022) contains no breed-specific legislation. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and other commonly targeted breeds are not banned or restricted by Kent County rule. Dangerous-dog issues are handled by behavior-based standards in Section 11(c) (menace/attack/bite) and through Michigan's state-level Dog Law of 1919. Note: cities and townships within Kent County may have their own animal codes (Section 4), so check your specific municipality — but neither Kent County nor the City of Grand Rapids has BSL.

Does Kent County have a dangerous-dog law?

Yes, but it is behavior-based, not breed-based. Section 11(c) of the Kent County Animal Control Ordinance prohibits an owner or custodian from intentionally or negligently allowing any dog or animal to menace, attack, or bite a person or other animal where the victim is legally entitled to be. "Menace" includes charging, scratching, toppling, teeth-baring, snapping, growling, and other predatory mannerisms. Section 14 requires reporting bites within 24 hours and surrendering the animal for quarantine. The Michigan Dog Law of 1919 (MCL 287.286a et seq.) provides additional state-level dangerous-dog procedures.

My homeowner insurance asks if my dog is on a "restricted breed list." Does Kent County have one?

No. Kent County does not maintain a restricted-breed list, and the county Animal Control Ordinance does not single out any breed. Many private insurers maintain their own restricted-breed lists independent of any government regulation, so your insurer's list reflects their underwriting policy — not Kent County or Michigan law. Michigan has no state BSL and no preemption statute either way.

What happens if my dog bites someone in Kent County?

Section 14(a) of the Kent County Animal Control Ordinance requires you to report the bite to Animal Control or the Animal Shelter within 24 hours of learning of it (call 616-632-7310; on weekends, call 911). You must provide proof of current rabies vaccination on request (§ 14(b)). The animal will be quarantined as required by Michigan state law at the shelter, a veterinary office, or another place designated by Animal Control (§ 14(c)). You may also be cited under § 11(c) for a civil infraction ($100/$200 under § 15(a)) and, in serious cases, the dog may be subject to state-level dangerous-dog proceedings under the Michigan Dog Law of 1919.

Can a Kent County township or city enact its own breed restrictions?

Yes. Michigan has no statewide preemption of local breed-specific legislation, and Section 4 of the Kent County Animal Control Ordinance (citing MCL 287.289a) expressly recognizes that any city, village, or township that adopts its own animal-control ordinance is not bound by the county rule. To date, no major Kent County jurisdiction — including the City of Grand Rapids (Chapter 155 of its City Code) — has adopted breed-specific legislation. Always confirm with your specific municipality.