Delaware Bars Breed-Based Dangerous Dog Designations Statewide

16 Del. C. Subchapter V governs the Dangerous and Potentially Dangerous Dog process, which is conducted through Justice of the Peace Court proceedings. The statute expressly provides that no dog may be declared potentially dangerous based solely on the dog's breed or perceived breed. Designations must rest on individual behavior such as unprovoked attacks, severe injury, or repeated threats. Because the dangerous-dog framework is a uniform statewide system, Delaware municipalities cannot adopt breed-specific bans on pit bulls, Rottweilers, or other breeds. Local rules are limited to behavior-based restraint, muzzling, and confinement requirements consistent with state law.

Local breed-specific bans are unenforceable; state designations carry insurance, muzzling, microchip, and confinement duties.