Pennsylvania Breed Restrictions (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: 3 P.S. Sec. 459-507-A
Preemption: Statewide, complete
Allowed: Breed-neutral rules only
Key case: Commonwealth v. Hake

Full Breakdown

The Pennsylvania Dog Law (3 P.S. Sec. 459-507-A) explicitly preempts municipalities from passing or enforcing ordinances that target specific breeds of dogs. No city, township, or borough may declare any dog dangerous or restrict ownership based solely on breed. Instead, dangerous dog determinations must follow the statewide criteria in Section 502-A based on individual behavior. This preemption has been upheld in cases including Commonwealth v. Hake. Breed-neutral regulations and individual dangerous dog hearings remain valid.

Violations & Penalties

Municipal breed-specific ordinances are unenforceable. Affected owners can challenge enforcement in court and may recover legal costs against municipalities enforcing invalid bans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pit bulls banned in Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania law prohibits any municipality from banning pit bulls or any other breed. Restrictions must be based on individual dog behavior, not breed.

Can my Pennsylvania town restrict my breed?

No municipality may enforce breed-specific ordinances. Any such ordinance is preempted and unenforceable under Section 459-507-A of the Dog Law.

Pennsylvania Prohibits Breed-Specific Dog Bans Statewide

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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