Restricted animals in Sioux Falls

The Sioux Falls ordinance 90.003 on restricted animals lets the chief of police declare an animal restricted if it approaches in an apparent attitude of attack or bites or injures a person or animal, or at the request of a victim's physician. It cannot be declared restricted if the person hurt was committing a willful trespass or was teasing, tormenting or assaulting the animal.

The same ordinance requires an outdoor attended restricted animal to be muzzled on a leash no longer than six feet under an adult over 18, and an unattended one to be in an escape-proof kennel. Owners must show proof of rabies vaccination, a city license and that the animal is altered, and a restricted animal that is not in compliance can be impounded.

The Sioux Falls ordinance 90.001 definitions defines a guard dog as a dog used to protect commercial property, which is a different category from a family dog. We did not review the rest of the guard dog provisions.

1. Fence the yard before the dog arrives.
2. Post a visible warning sign.
3. Train every adult in the household on commands.
4. Keep the license and rabies tags current.
5. Tell your insurer which dog is coming.