Dangerous Animals
Dangerous Animal Declarations
Under Minnesota State Statute and Minneapolis City Ordinance, domestic animals that have bitten or demonstrated aggression must be investigated to determine if that animal is a threat to the public’s safety and should be declared ‘dangerous.’ Minneapolis Animal Care & Control (MACC) conducts these investigations and makes dangerous animal declarations. Declarations are determined based on the severity of the incident, including serious bites and unprovoked aggressive behavior.
There are three types of dangerous animal declarations:
- Potentially Dangerous Animal
- Dangerous Animal
- Destruct Order
Any animal that bites a person or domestic animal and is subject to dangerous animal proceedings may be impounded and kenneled at the MACC shelter for the duration of the quarantine and until compliance is met. The owner is responsible for paying all fees incurred during quarantine at the shelter.
Declared animals must comply with certain requirements to safeguard against future attacks or aggression. MACC conducts biannual compliance checks on all dangerous animals in Minneapolis to ensure these requirements are met.
Owners of potentially dangerous animals must meet the following requirements:
- The animal must be muzzled and on a three-foot leash controlled by an adult any time the dog is not inside a dwelling or in an approved kennel.
- The animal must be micro chipped.
- The animal must be registered with MACC annually and must have an annual ‘dangerous animal’ city license.
- The animal must be kept in a secure area when persons other than family members are present inside the home.
- If kenneled outside, the animal must be in an approved kennel that meets the specific requirements outlined in city ordinance.
- Other requirements as specified by city ordinance.
In addition to the requirements for potentially dangerous animals, owners of dangerous animals must also meet the following requirements:
- The animal must be sterilized.
- The owners of the animal must have a current insurance bond in the amount of at least three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) to cover any personal injuries inflicted by the animal.
- A clearly visible sign indicating that a "dangerous animal" is on the premises must be posted in the front and rear of the property
Destruct orders are issued for the most serious incidents and for noncompliance with dangerous animal requirements.
List and descriptions of dangerous dogs
Number of serious bites in Minneapolis
City Ordinance Title 4, Ch. 64.110. - Dangerous and potentially dangerous animals
Last updated Jul. 11, 2012