Whether a dog is considered “dangerous” in the county will not be decided by its breed, but by the animal’s behavior. According to Volusia County Animal Services, the criteria used in determining a dog is “dangerous” includes:

The dog has, without provocation, aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered a human being, or has inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or private property; or
- Has more than once, without provocation, severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property; or
- Has been used primarily, or in part, for the purpose of fighting, or is a dog trained for dog fighting; or
- Has, without provocation, chased or approached a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in an aggressive, menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack, provided that such actions are attested to in a sworn statement by one or more persons, and dutifully investigated by the appropriate authority.
A dog shall not be declared dangerous if the threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who, at the time, was unlawfully on the property, or while lawfully on the property, was teasing, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog or its owner or a family member.
No dog may be declared dangerous if the dog was protecting or defending a human being within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified attack or assault.

If enough evidence is found to declare a dog “dangerous,” the owner is notified in writing. At that time they have the option to appeal the decision, to comply with the county’s dangerous dog restrictions or to surrender the dog to Animal Services.

Special Reports /

Florida county ordinance requires $500k insurance for dangerous dogs

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