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Nevada Statewide Rule

Nevada Prohibits Breed-Specific Dog Bans Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nevada (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
NRS 202.500
Breed bans
Preempted statewide
Basis allowed
Individual conduct only
Vicious dog death
Category D felony
Enacted
2013 amendment
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Nevada Legislature

Summary

Nevada law prohibits any local government from adopting or enforcing ordinances that declare a specific breed of dog inherently dangerous or vicious. Cities and counties cannot ban breeds like pit bulls, but may regulate dogs based on individual behavior.

6. A local authority shall not adopt or enforce an ordinance or regulation that deems a dog dangerous or vicious based solely on the breed of the dog. 7. This section does not apply to a dog used by a law enforcement officer in the performance of his or her duty. 8. As used in this section, "local authority" means the governing board of a county, city or other political subdivision having authority to enact laws or ordinances or promulgate regulations relating to dogs. [1911 C&P § 176; RL § 6441; NCL § 10123]-(NRS A 1967, 488; 1993, 2887; 1995, 1209; 2013, 426) NRS 202.510 Doors of public buildings to swing outward. 1.

Source: Nevada LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under NRS 202.500, Nevada explicitly preempts breed-specific legislation. A dog may not be deemed dangerous or vicious based solely on breed, and local ordinances must regulate based on the conduct of the individual animal. Cities may still classify dogs as dangerous or vicious if they have attacked humans or other animals without provocation, require muzzles for proven aggressors, and impose containment requirements. The statewide preemption was enacted in 2013 and bars municipalities like Las Vegas, Reno, or Henderson from singling out breeds. Owners of declared dangerous dogs face mandatory registration and confinement.

Violations & Penalties

Owning a declared dangerous or vicious dog without compliance is a misdemeanor; killing or substantial injury caused by a vicious dog is a category D felony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Nevada city ban pit bulls?
No. NRS 202.500 prohibits local governments from declaring any specific breed inherently dangerous or vicious. Regulations must be based on the individual dog's behavior, not its breed.
What makes a dog legally dangerous in Nevada?
A dog is dangerous if, unprovoked and off the owner's property, it behaved menacingly twice within 18 months requiring defensive action, or caused injury to a person or animal.

Sources

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