Pit Bull Laws in North Dakota: Your Comprehensive Guide to Rights, Restrictions, and Responsibilities
March 21, 2026
North Dakota has no statewide ban on pit bulls, but local cities can create their own rules about which dog breeds you can own. Some communities in the state restrict or ban pit bulls and other breeds through local ordinances. Understanding these laws is important before you bring a pit bull into your home.
Pit bull laws in North Dakota vary by city, with some areas like Bowman banning pit bulls entirely while others have repealed breed-specific restrictions. Minot repealed its decades-old pit bull ban in 2022 after the law had been in place since 1987. Other cities still maintain breed-specific legislation that targets pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers.
Your rights as a pit bull owner depend on where you live in North Dakota. This guide covers the current breed-specific legislation across the state, what requirements you need to meet as an owner, and how housing restrictions might affect you. You’ll also learn about containment laws and what penalties you could face if your dog is involved in an incident.
Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) In North Dakota
North Dakota does not have statewide breed-specific legislation. Individual cities and counties can create their own rules about certain dog breeds.
This means the laws you follow depend on where you live in the state. Some cities have restrictions or bans while others do not.
Williston’s Pit Bull Ban
Williston has banned pit bulls since 1987. This makes it one of the few North Dakota cities with active BSL.
If you own a pit bull in Williston, you could face legal consequences. The ban relies on visual identification, which can make it unclear whether your dog falls under the restriction.
How BSL Works in Your Area
You need to check your local ordinances to know what applies to you. Different municipalities have different approaches:
- Some ban specific breeds entirely
- Others require special permits or insurance
- Many have no breed restrictions at all
Financial and Practical Impact
Enforcing breed-specific laws costs money. A 2019 study found North Dakota communities spend an average of $16,600 per year on BSL enforcement.
These costs cover staff time, equipment, and legal fees. Your local animal control budget may reflect these expenses.
Your Rights as a Dog Owner
Service animals and certified therapy dogs may have exemptions from breed restrictions in some areas. You should verify this with your local government before assuming your dog qualifies.
If you believe your rights are being violated, you can contact animal advocacy groups or attorneys who specialize in animal law.
Pit Bull Ownership Requirements In North Dakota
North Dakota does not have statewide pit bull ownership requirements. You can legally own a pit bull in most parts of the state without special permits or insurance.
However, local cities make their own rules. Some municipalities have created breed-specific laws that you need to follow if you live there.
Cities With Pit Bull Restrictions:
- Bowman – Pit bulls are banned along with Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers
- Burlington – Pit bulls are banned
- Williston – Pit bulls have been prohibited since 1987
Cities That Removed Pit Bull Bans:
Minot repealed its breed-specific ban in 2022. Before this change, you could not own or keep a pit bull in the city. The old law required owners to remove their dogs within 24 hours of being cited.
If you want to own a pit bull in North Dakota, you should check your local city ordinances first. Contact your city hall or animal control office to find out the current rules in your area.
You still need to follow standard dog ownership laws regardless of breed. These include licensing your dog, keeping vaccinations current, and following leash laws. You are responsible for your dog’s behavior and any damage it causes.
The legal situation can change as cities update their animal control policies. What is allowed in your city today might be different in the future.
Housing And Property Restrictions In North Dakota
North Dakota has no statewide ban on pit bulls. However, you may face restrictions depending on where you live.
Several cities have enacted their own breed-specific laws. Bowman has banned pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers, while Burlington has restrictions on pit bulls. Williston created an ordinance in 1987 that prohibits owning or having a pit bull within city limits. The ban covers four specific pit bull breeds and any dog with pit bull characteristics.
Some cities have reversed their policies. Minot repealed its pit bull regulations in 2022, allowing residents to own these dogs again.
Rental Property Considerations
Your housing options may be limited if you own a pit bull. Many landlords implement their own pet policies regardless of local laws. They can refuse to rent to you based on your dog’s breed.
Private landlords have the right to set breed restrictions in their properties. You might also face higher pet deposits or monthly pet rent. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for service animals under fair housing laws, but this protection doesn’t extend to regular pets.
What You Should Do
Check your local city ordinances before getting a pit bull. Contact your city hall or animal control office to confirm current regulations. If you’re renting, review your lease agreement carefully for any breed restrictions. Ask your landlord directly about their pet policy before signing a lease.
Containment And Control Laws In North Dakota
North Dakota has no statewide laws that require special containment for pit bulls or other specific breeds. You need to follow general dog ownership rules that apply to all breeds across the state.
Your local city or county may have stricter rules. Some cities previously had breed-specific laws requiring special containment for pit bulls. Minot repealed its pit bull ban in 2022 after a 4 to 3 vote by the city council.
Current Local Restrictions
A few North Dakota communities still maintain breed restrictions:
- Bowman: Bans pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers
- Burlington: Bans pit bulls
You should check with your local animal control office before getting a pit bull. Laws can change, and enforcement varies by location.
General Containment Requirements
All dog owners in North Dakota must follow basic control laws. You need to keep your dog on your property or under control when in public. Most cities require leashes in public areas.
Your yard must have adequate fencing to contain your dog. You can face fines if your dog repeatedly escapes or creates a nuisance. These rules apply regardless of breed.
Dangerous Dog Designations
If your pit bull bites someone or acts aggressively, authorities can label it a dangerous dog. This designation comes with stricter requirements. You may need special insurance, warning signs, or reinforced containment. These rules focus on individual dog behavior rather than breed.
Liability And Penalties For Pit Bull Incidents In North Dakota
North Dakota follows a strict liability standard for dog bites. This means you can be held responsible for injuries your dog causes, even if your dog has never shown aggression before.
If your pit bull bites someone, you face both civil and criminal consequences. Criminal penalties can include fines, probation, and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the incident. You may also face civil liability, which means paying for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Key Liability Factors:
- Medical expenses – You’re responsible for all treatment costs
- Property damage – Any damage caused during the incident
- Lost income – If the victim misses work due to injuries
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical and emotional trauma
The penalties increase significantly if your dog causes serious bodily injury or death. In these cases, you could face felony charges. Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may deny coverage if breed restrictions exist in your policy.
Local ordinances add another layer of complexity. While the city of Minot repealed its breed ban in September 2022, other municipalities may still have restrictions. You need to check your local laws before owning a pit bull.
Immediate Steps After an Incident:
- Secure your dog away from people
- Exchange contact information with any victims
- Report the incident to animal control
- Contact your insurance company
- Document the scene with photos