Breed-Specific Dog Bite Laws in Wisconsin and Illinois

Some breeds of dog are considered more dangerous than others. A breed-specific law is an ordinance or policy that pertains only to specific dog breed or breeds. The goal of these laws is to protect the public from attacks by these aggressive breeds. The laws do not affect any other breed of dog.

Breed-specific laws were invented to regulate Pit Bulls. These dogs were bred as a “fighting breed” and are known for causing severe and often-fatal dog bite injuries. Some U.S. cities have expanded breed-specific laws to include other breeds with a reputation for being especially aggressive, including Rottweilers, Presa Canaries, Akitas, and Dobermans.

Here is a list of breed-specific dog bite laws in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Breed-Specific Dog Laws in Wisconsin

• Arpin – Pit Bull ban
• Bloomer – Pit Bulls heavily restricted
• Cudahy – Pit Bulls are considered “dangerous”
• Fox Lake – Pit Bull ban
• Greenwood – Pit Bull ban
• Hewitt – Pit Bull ban
• Juneau – Pit Bull ban repealed in 2015
• Mayville – Pit Bulls are declared “vicious”
• Milwaukee – Pit Bulls and Rottweillers are restricted
• Montello – Pit Bull ban
• Neillsville – Pit Bull ban
• Niagra – Pit Bull ban
• Oconomowoc – Pit Bulls are declared “vicious”
• Ripon – Pit Bull ban
• St. Francis – Pit Bull ban
• St. Joseph – Pit Bulls and wolf hybrids are restricted
• Somerset – Pit Bulls considered "fierce or dangerous"
• South Milwaukee – Pit Bull ban removed as of 2017
• Strum – Pit Bulls and Doberman Pinschers are declared “dangerous”
• Village of Argyle – Pit Bulls, Presa Canarios, Rottweilers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Mastiff breeds are restricted.
• Village of Baldwin – Pit Bulls banned, unless registered with the Village prior to January 11, 2006 and certain requirements are met
• Village of Dane – Pit Bull ban
• Village of Dresser – Pit Bulls are declared “vicious”
• Village of Stratford – Pit Bull ban
• Village of Westfield – Pit Bulls banned, unless registered with the Village prior to September 10, 2002 and certain requirements are met
• Village of Woodville – Pit Bulls banned, unless registered with the Village prior to July 10, 2007 and certain requirements are met
• Village of Wrightstown – Pit Bulls are declared “vicious”
• Weyauwega – Pit Bulls banned unless certain requirements are met, such as registration and reporting, mandatory insurance and signage
• Yorkville – Pit Bull ban

Breed-Specific Dog Laws in Illinois

• Aledo – Pit Bull ban
• Barry – Pit Bull ban
• Buffalo Grove – Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are restricted
• East Dubuque – Pit Bull ban
• North Chicago – Pit Bulls are restricted
• Pawnee – Pit Bull ban
• Rock Falls – Pit Bulls are restricted
• Village of Addison – Pit Bull ban
• Village of Golf – Pit Bull ban

Breed-specific laws can affect your dog bite claim in Wisconsin or Illinois. Those who own “dangerous” dogs must use extra care to prevent danger to the public. If a restricted breed of dog bites you, contact a Wisconsin dog bite attorney. You may be eligible for additional damages beyond your medical expenses. To learn more, contact Hupy and Abraham at 800-800-5678.