A Dog The County Calls Dangerous
Dog Law 502-A — the summary offense of harboring a dangerous dog, and Dog Law 503-A — what the owner must do within 30 days
Who brings it. A state dog warden or local police officer may file a complaint before a magisterial district judge charging the owner or keeper with harboring a dangerous dog, on behalf of a person attacked, or a person whose domestic animal, dog or cat was killed or injured.
- Inflicted severe injury without provocation on a person, on public or private property.
- Killed or severely injured a domestic animal, dog or cat without provocation while off the owner's property.
- Attacked a person without provocation.
- Been used in the commission of a crime.
- Has a history of attacking a person, domestic animal, dog or cat without provocation.
The owner or keeper is guilty only if the judge finds beyond a reasonable doubt that the dog did one of those things. The severe injury and attack grounds do not apply to a person who was criminally trespassing.
Within 30 days. Within 30 days of the department's written notice that the dog was determined dangerous, the owner registers it and complies: a proper enclosure and posted warning signs, court-ordered restitution, a microchip, spaying or neutering, and a surety bond or liability insurance of at least $50,000.
Other sections of the same law, and the court's own rules, are not on this page. How it applies to a particular case is a question for a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Dog Law 502-A — Court proceedings, certificate of registration and disposition
- Dog Law 503-A — Requirements for the owner of a dangerous dog
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.