Pitbull Legal Status
State | Pitbull Legal Status↓ | Additional Pit Bull Legality Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Legal with restrictions | In the cities of Center Point, Irondale, Lanett, and Midfield, pit bulls are considered dangerous or vicious and breed-specific laws must be followed. | |
| Arkansas | Legal with restrictions | Pit bulls are banned in 30 cities | |
| Georgia | Legal with restrictions | In eight cities, pit bulls are considered dangerous or vicious and Breed-Specific Laws must be followed. | |
| Idaho | Legal with restrictions | Fruitland, Idaho Falls, and Payette County pit bulls are considered dangerous or vicious and breed-specific laws must be followed. | |
| Indiana | Legal with restrictions | Fowler has a complete ban on pit bulls. In Gary, Mishawaka, and South Bend pit bulls are considered dangerous or vicious and breed-specific laws must be followed. | |
| Iowa | Legal with restrictions | 91 cities have a ban on owning more than one pit bull. 72 cities have a complete ban on pit bulls. | |
| Kansas | Legal with restrictions | 77 cities have a complete ban on pit bulls. 13 cities consider pit bulls dangerous or vicious and breed-specific laws must be followed. | |
| Kentucky | Legal with restrictions | Multiple cities have strict bans in place for pit bulls. | |
| Louisiana | Legal with restrictions | Multiple cities have rules or total ban on pit bulls. | |
| Maryland | Legal with restrictions | Prince George’s County limits pit bull ownership. | |
| Michigan | Legal with restrictions | Most cities across Michigan have some type of ban against pit bulls and several other bully breeds. | |
| Mississippi | Legal with restrictions | 46 municipalities in Mississippi have bans or legislation regulating pittie ownership. | |
| Missouri | Legal with restrictions | More than 70 cities have some type of breed-specific legislation that applies to pit bulls. In certain cities, owning a pittie is punishable by fines and jail time | |
| Montana | Legal with restrictions | Baker, Libby, Lincoln County ,and White Sulphur Springs have bans on pit bulls. | |
| Nebraska | Legal with restrictions | In some cities, pit bulls are considered dangerous or vicious and breed-specific laws must be followed. | |
| New Mexico | Legal with restrictions | In some cities, pit bulls are considered dangerous or vicious and breed-specific laws must be followed. | |
| North Carolina | Legal with restrictions | In Edenton, pit bulls are considered dangerous or vicious and breed-specific laws must be followed. | |
| North Dakota | Legal with restrictions | In Minot, pit bulls are considered dangerous or vicious and breed-specific laws must be followed. | |
| Ohio | Legal with restrictions | More than 80 cities have a complete ban on pit bulls. | |
| Oregon | Legal with restrictions | In some cities, pit bulls are considered dangerous or vicious and breed-specific laws must be followed. | |
| South Carolina | Legal with restrictions | In Beaufort County, pit bulls are required by law to be sterilized. In Dillon, Ware Shoals, and Travelers Rest, pit bulls are considered dangerous or vicious and breed-specific laws must be followed. | |
| Tennessee | Legal with restrictions | In some cities, pit bulls are considered dangerous or vicious and breed-specific laws must be followed. | |
| Vermont | Legal with restrictions | Montgomery is the only town where pit bulls are not allowed; the state has no "dangerous" or "vicious" dogs list and rules. | |
| Washington | Legal with restrictions | In some cities, pit bulls are considered dangerous or vicious and breed-specific laws must be followed. | |
| West Virginia | Legal with restrictions | In Ceredo, pit bulls are completely banned. In many other cities, pit bulls are considered dangerous or vicious and breed-specific laws must be followed. | |
| Wisconsin | Legal with restrictions | More than 60 Wisconsin municipalities have labeled pit bulls as “vicious” and/or banned them. | |
| Wyoming | Legal with restrictions | Manderson has banned pit bulls and some cities have have breed restrictions. | |
| Alaska | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Arizona | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| California | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Colorado | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Connecticut | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Delaware | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Florida | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Hawaii | Legal | None | |
| Illinois | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Maine | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Massachusetts | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Minnesota | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Nevada | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| New Hampshire | Legal | None | |
| New Jersey | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| New York | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Oklahoma | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Pennsylvania | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Rhode Island | Legal | None | |
| South Dakota | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Texas | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Utah | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited | |
| Virginia | Legal | Breed-specific laws are prohibited |
Since the late 20th century, many states in the US began implementing breed-specific legislation targeting pit bulls. This was largely in response to concerns over dog attacks and public safety. However, over time, several states have moved away from breed-specific laws and shifted towards more inclusive and effective dog regulations. As a result, a significant number of states, such as Alaska, Arizona, California, and Colorado, now have no breed-specific legislation pertaining to pit bulls. Additionally, states like Alabama, Georgia, and Montana classify pit bulls as legal for ownership, while others, such as Idaho and Wyoming, have specific conditions for their ownership, indicating a varied approach to pit bull regulation across the country.
In states like Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, and Kentucky, pit bulls are still subject to legal restrictions, reflecting ongoing debates over breed-specific laws. However, a growing number of states are adopting alternative approaches, focusing on responsible ownership and community education rather than targeting specific breeds. This shift signifies a broader recognition of the complexity surrounding dog behavior and the importance of addressing underlying factors contributing to canine-related incidents.
Additionally, it’s important to note that while state laws regarding pit bulls may be evolving, there are often local regulations within states that may vary, emphasizing the need for dog owners to be aware of specific ordinances in their respective cities or counties.