Pennsylvania Dangerous Dog Law Summary

Having a Dog Declared Dangerous

• Anyone who has been attacked by a dog or anyone on behalf of such a person may make a complaint before a District Justice charging the owner with keeping a dangerous dog.
• Anyone who owns a domestic animal that has been severely injured by a dog while the dog was off its owner's property may also make a complaint before a District Justice charging the owner with keeping a dangerous dog.
• If the dog is used to commit a crime (i.e. protecting a drug dealer's stash), it may also be determined to be dangerous.
• The District Justice will consider police reports, eyewitness testimony and any other evidence to determine the dog to be dangerous.

Requirements to Keep a Dog that has been Declared Dangerous

• A proper enclosure to contain the dog. The enclosure must have secure sides and a top. Sides must extend 2 feet into the ground to prevent the dog from digging out.
• Carry a $50,000 bond payable to any person injured by the dangerous dog or a liability insurance policy for at least $50,000.
• Pay a fee of $25 per year to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement to register the dangerous dog.
• Post uniform identifiable symbols around the property to indicate a dangerous dog is on the premises.

Failure to Register or Restrain a Dangerous Dog

• The owner of a dangerous dog commits a third degree misdemeanor and the dog will be confiscated by the Police or a Dog Warden if:
  • The dog is not validly registered.
  • The owner does not carry the required insurance or bond
  • The dog is not kept in a secure enclosure
  • The dog is outside its enclosure or the owner's home unrestrained
• If a dangerous dog, through intentional, reckless or negligent conduct of its owner, attacks another person or domestic animal, the owner is guilty of a second degree misdemeanor, and the dog will be confiscated & destroyed.
• If a dangerous dog causes severe injury or death to any human, the owner is guilty of a first degree misdemeanor and the dog will be confiscated & destroyed.

The Pennsylvania Dog Law prohibits local municipalities from enacting breed-specific ordinances that declare dogs dangerous based solely on their breed. It also prohibits insurance carriers from denying coverage to homeowners because they own a specific breed of dog.

If You Are Biten...

• Wash the wound thoroughly with plenty of soap and water. Contact a physician about medical treatment.
• If the biting animal is a domestic dog or cat, confine and isolate it. Contact the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement (717 787-3062), the Department of Health (800-692-7254) or a licensed veterinarian for instructions.
• Wild animals suspected of having rabies should be humanely killed without damaging the brain. Handle the carcass with rubber gloves. Contact the Game Commission, the Department of Health (800-692-7254) or a licensed veterinarian for instructions.
• Pets exposed to a possibly rabid animal should be confined, isolated and handled as little as possible. Contact a licensed veterinarian for instructions.