Pennsylvania Dog Law for owners of powerful dogs

Under 3 P.S. 459-502, a dog that bites or attacks a human being must be immediately confined in an approved primary enclosure. The text lists who may approve the enclosure, including a Department of Health employee, a state dog warden, a Department of Agriculture employee or an animal control officer.

The point for buyers is speed: confinement is the first consequence of a bite, and it happens before anyone decides blame.

3 P.S. 459-502-A governs court proceedings, the certificate of registration and disposition for a dog found dangerous. A neighboring section, 3 P.S. 459-503-A, sets requirements for the owner of a registered dangerous dog, including permanent identification by microchip.

The owner or keeper must notify the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, the State dog warden and the local police department within 24 hours if a dangerous dog is on the loose or has attacked, according to the statute text. A new owner takes on all the same duties.

State dog wardens enforce licensing and rabies rules. A KDKA report on dog warden checks describes a campaign of checks and says violators could be cited with a fine of up to $300 per violation plus court costs; dogs and non-feral cats older than three months must have a rabies vaccination.

Cities of the first and second class run their own dog licensing programs, which is why Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have separate rules (see the cities page).

Ask your insurer how it treats the dog before it moves in. Homeowners and renters policies differ, and leases or borough ordinances can add restrictions that state law does not override.