Dangerous Dogs
Dog Law 505-A — a first degree misdemeanor when a dog's attack causes severe injury or death
A state dog warden or local police officer may charge the owner or keeper of a dog with harboring a dangerous dog, on behalf of a person attacked or whose pet was killed or injured. The owner is guilty of that summary offense if the district judge finds beyond a reasonable doubt that the dog:
- Inflicted severe injury on a person without provocation, on public or private property.
- Killed or severely injured a domestic animal, dog or cat without provocation, off the owner's property.
- Attacked a person without provocation.
- Was used in a crime.
- Has a history of unprovoked attacks.
The two attack grounds do not apply when the person attacked was committing criminal trespass.
| When | Offense |
|---|---|
| WhenA dangerous dog attacks a person or animal through the owner's intentional, reckless or negligent conduct | OffenseMisdemeanor of the second degree, and the dog is seized |
| WhenAny dog aggressively attacks and causes severe injury or death to a person through that conduct | OffenseMisdemeanor of the first degree, and the dog is confiscated |
| WhenA dangerous dog's owner fails to register and restrain it, first time | OffenseMisdemeanor of the third degree |
Sources for this section (2)
- Dog Law 502-A — Court proceedings, certificate of registration and disposition
- Dog Law 505-A — Public safety and penalties
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.