Illinois Breed Restrictions Law: Statewide Animal Ordinances Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: 510 ILCS 5/24
Preemption: Breed-specific bans prohibited
Allowed basis: Individual dog conduct
Effective: Statewide since 2003

Full Breakdown

Section 24 of the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/24) explicitly preempts local breed-specific legislation. No county or municipality may regulate dogs in a manner specific to breed. Dangerous and vicious dog determinations under 510 ILCS 5/15 and 5/15.1 must be based on individual conduct, such as biting humans or domestic animals without provocation. Local governments retain authority to regulate dogs through breed-neutral standards, including muzzling, confinement, and registration of individually-determined dangerous animals. This preemption protects pit bull, rottweiler, and similar breed owners from blanket municipal bans.

Violations & Penalties

Local breed-specific ordinances are unenforceable; owners may challenge in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Illinois city ban pit bulls?

No. State law preempts breed-specific regulation. Cities can only regulate individual dogs found dangerous or vicious based on actual behavior, not breed.

What if my city has a breed-specific ordinance?

Such ordinances are preempted and unenforceable under 510 ILCS 5/24. Owners can challenge them in court if officials attempt enforcement.

Illinois Preempts Breed-Specific Dog Bans

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

See something wrong?