Breed Restrictions: Mesa vs Phoenix
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Phoenix, AZ?
Phoenix has fewer restrictions than Mesa.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Arizona has no statewide breed ban preemption. Some cities have breed-specific legislation. Phoenix has no breed restrictions. Check Mesa local ordinance.
View full Mesa rules →Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix has no breed-specific dog ban. Arizona state law, A.R.S. Sec. 9-499.04(C), prohibits any city or town from regulating dogs in a way specific to any breed, so pit bulls and other breeds are legal citywide.
View full Phoenix rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide Preemption | None | - |
| Phoenix | No breed restrictions | - |
| Other Cities | May have BSL | - |
| State Law | ARS §11-1025 (behavior) | - |
| Breed Ban | - | None (no BSL in Phoenix) |
| State Preemption | - | A.R.S. Sec. 9-499.04(C) |
| Enabling Law | - | SB 1248 (2016) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
Are any dog breeds banned in Mesa?
Arizona has no statewide breed ban preemption. Some cities have breed-specific legislation. Phoenix has no breed restrictions. Check Mesa local ordinance.
Are there pit bull restrictions in Mesa?
Statewide Preemption: None. Phoenix: No breed restrictions. Other Cities: May have BSL. State Law: ARS §11-1025 (behavior).
Phoenix FAQ
Are pit bulls legal in Phoenix?
Yes. Phoenix has no breed-specific ban, and A.R.S. Sec. 9-499.04(C) prohibits Arizona cities and towns from regulating dogs in a way specific to any breed, so pit bulls and all other breeds are legal citywide.
Can Phoenix pass a breed-specific dog law?
No. Under A.R.S. Sec. 9-499.04(C) a city or town may regulate the control of dogs only if the regulation is not specific to any breed, so breed-specific legislation is preempted statewide.
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