While North Dakota doesn’t have a statewide limit on how many dogs you can own, certain municipalities may have their own limits and restrictions.
Does North Dakota have laws limiting how many dogs you can own?
The number of dogs you are allowed to own in North Dakota depends on where you live. Specific municipalities have their own laws around ownership, leashes, and kennels.
Are there any dog breeds outlawed in North Dakota?
Many states have specific regulations for dogs that are dangerous in their behavior. Unlike many others, North Dakota doesn’t operate under a “Dangerous Dog Statute”.
North Dakota does have a “nuisance” clause, in which dogs that continuously harass or menace people in public spaces can be considered a public nuisance.
What are the leash laws in North Dakota?
While North Dakota does not have a statewide leash law, certain municipalities have their own restrictions around leashing your dog.
For example, in Fargo, you’re required to leash your dog in public except in designated dog parks. Grand Forks also has a leash law, as well as a restriction on free-roaming pets. Pets in Grand Forks must be confined to the owner's property by a suitable fence.
Leash laws are meant to keep residents safe and unperturbed by odor and noise. Breaking leash laws can result in consequences for both owners and their dogs.
Penalties for breaking dog laws in North Dakota
Aside from laws that prohibit dogs from being public nuisances, under common law, an owner is liable for any personal property damage or injuries done by their dog. Extreme cases of injury or death may require the dog to be put down.
The public nuisance statute involves a legal process for making a complaint. Complaints can be made to the district or municipal judge that will inform the owner that their dog has become a nuisance. If no action is taken, the owner can be summoned before the judge, issued fines, and even have their dog impounded.
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