Requirements and restrictions upon declaration.
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 66.50
in effect66.50. - Requirements and restrictions upon declaration.
(a) No person may own or house a potentially dangerous or dangerous animal in the City of Minneapolis unless the animal is registered as provided in this subsection.
(b) No person operating a day care, as that term is defined pursuant to the zoning code, or any other home occupation in which children are regularly present, shall own, house, or otherwise have temporary or permanent custody upon the premises of any animal previously declared potentially dangerous or dangerous as a result of displaying aggression towards a person
(c) Owners or custodians of potentially dangerous and dangerous animals may be required to comply with any or all of the following requirements, and any additional requirements established by a hearing officer, within fourteen (14) calendar days of notification of the declaration, unless another provision of this title requires compliance immediately or within a lesser timeframe. Any imposed requirements are proper subjects for consideration by a hearing officer during a potentially dangerous or dangerous animal declaration appeal proceeding. Failure to comply shall constitute adequate grounds for confiscation of the animal and possible disposition pursuant to this title.
(1) Microchip (must be pre-paid if MACC implants the microchip).
(2) Current rabies vaccinations (must remain current on rabies vaccinations).
(3) Current annual license for a declared animal (regardless of current license status).
(4) Muzzle (with an appropriate leash as approved by MACC to reasonably restrict the dog while held by an adult at all times the animal is outside and not inside a proper enclosure).
(5) A proper enclosure may be required in order for the animal to be unleashed or unmuzzled.
a. For a potentially dangerous animal, a proper enclosure shall consist of a securely fenced yard area and/or a proper kennel. A securely fenced yard area shall have a fence of sufficient height, strength, and design to prevent the animal or the animal's muzzle from moving over, under, or through the fence and a gate and locking mechanism of sufficient strength and design to prevent the animal or the animal's muzzle from moving through the gate without proper leash and muzzle.
b. For a dangerous animal, a proper enclosure shall consist of a proper kennel. A proper kennel in all cases shall meet the following minimum specifications:
1. A minimum of thirty-two (32) square feet in floor area per animal that will be kept in such enclosure.
2. The sidewalls shall have a minimum height of five (5) feet and be constructed of eleven (11) gauge or heavier wire. If the enclosure is on any permeable surface, the fence must be buried a minimum of eighteen (18) inches. Openings in the wire shall not exceed two (2) inches, support posts shall be one and one-quarter (1¼) inch or larger steel pipe buried a minimum of eighteen (18) inches into the ground.
3. A cover over the entire kennel shall be provided. The cover shall be constructed of the same gauge wire as the sidewalls or heavier and shall have no openings greater than two (2) inches.
4. An entrance/exit gate shall be provided and constructed of the same material as the sidewalls and shall also have no openings greater than two (2) inches. The gate shall be self-closing, self-locking, and shall be locked at all times the animal is in the kennel.
5. The kennel shall comply with all zoning setbacks and other applicable requirements unless variances or other appropriate approvals are obtained.
(6) Secured area maintained inside the home where the animal will stay when persons, other than family members, are present.
(7) Annual registration and payment of all applicable fees including submission of photographs of the required kennel and secured area and a current photograph of the animal. All fines shall be paid within thirty (30) days of the date they are due.
(8) The animal may not be possessed or maintained at any other location other than the owner's property.
(9) The owner or custodian of the animal may not be a minor under age eighteen (18).
(10) The animal shall not be subjected to neglect, suffering, cruelty, or abuse.
(11) The location where the animal is possessed or maintained shall be kept clean and sanitary with proper and adequate food, water, ventilation, shelter, and care at all times.
(12) The owner of a potentially dangerous or dangerous animal may be required to complete an approved obedience class at the direction of MACC.
(13) If the animal is to move from the approved location, written notification shall be provided to MACC within ten (10) business days prior to relocation.
(14) MACC shall be allowed at any reasonable time to inspect the animal, the animal's muzzle and leash, and the place where the animal is located.
(15) MACC shall require that any animal deemed potentially dangerous or dangerous be sterilized at the owner's expense and shall require any puppies or offspring of the animal in the care and custody of the owner be sterilized at the owner's expense.
(d) In additional to any conditions imposed by MACC or a hearing officer, all owners or custodians of dangerous animals shall be required to fully comply with the following requirements within fourteen (14) calendar days of notification of the declaration. Failure to comply shall lead to confiscation of the animal and possible disposition pursuant to this title.
(1) Proof of a current insurance policy or surety bond in the amount of at least three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) to cover any personal injuries inflicted by the animal and payable to the injured party or parties.
(2) A clearly visible sign posted in the front and rear of the property indicating that a "dangerous animal" is on or in the premises, meeting any requirements as designated by MACC.
(e) No animal that has previously been determined to be potentially dangerous, dangerous, or vicious by another jurisdiction shall be kept, owned, or harbored in the City of Minneapolis unless the animal's owner or custodian complies with the requirements of the applicable declaration level as defined in this chapter. Potentially dangerous or dangerous animal requirements must be met prior to bringing the animal into the city. Animals in violation of this requirement are subject to impoundment and humane destruction by lethal injection after notice and a hearing (if requested) pursuant to this chapter. (Ord. No. 2016-009, § 1, 2-12-16)
Source: City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Park and Recreation Board Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT4ANCACO_CH66DAPODAAN_66.50REREUPDEFetched: 11/2/2026