What is a "dangerous dog"? A dangerous dog is a dog that has been declared a dangerous dog, usually after an incident where the dog has seriously attacked or bitten a person, or killed another domestic animal, generally after a police report has been made about the incident.
Dogs can also be declared "potentially dangerous dogs" when a dog shows aggression or bites humans or other domestic animals.
Definitions of Dangerous Dogs and Potentially Dangerous Dogs.
What about dogs of specific breeds? In some regions, all dogs of certain breeds such pit bulls or rottweilers, are automatically considered dangerous. In Minnesota, that is not true. In Minnesota, dangerous dog legislation only applies to dogs that have been declared dangerous or potentially dangerous.
How are Dangerous Dogs Regulated?
State legislation requires owners of dangerous dogs to register their dog with animal control authorities, usually city hall or the police department. As well as state legislation, individual cities in Minnesota can add additional regulations for owners of dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs.To register a dangerous dog, the owner must provide evidence that the dog is spayed or neutered, that the dog is kept in a secure enclosure, the owner carries insurance to pay compensation to possible victims of the dog, display warning signs on their property, and pay a large annual registration fee ($500 in 2008). The dog also must be microchipped.
Minnesota State Requirements for Registering a Dangerous Dog
Once the dangerous dog is registered, the dog must be kept in certain conditions. Ownership conditions including muzzling the dog, restraining the dog on a leash or chain, and keeping the animal control authority notified of any change of address or ownership of the dog.
Minnesota State Regulations for Owning a Dangerous Dog
How to Report Problems with a Dangerous Dog
If a person, or an animal has been bitten by a dog, report it to Animal Control for the city where the incident happened.Animal Control for other cities: consult the cities' website, city hall, or police department.
Where do Dangerous Dogs live in Minneapolis/St. Paul?
The city of Minneapolis maintains a list of addresses and photographs of dogs declared dangerous dogs in Minneapolis.The city of St. Paul publishes has a map of homes of dangerous dogs that reside in St. Paul.
