Last Updated: 3/9/2023

The fact that pit bulls in Des Moines must be registered as dangerous dogs and that owners must purchase special liability insurance when a dog is labeled as vicious, is inferred to reduce dog bites. There has not been any empirical evidence to prove anything at this time.

Changing the Language of the Law: Vicious vs. High Risk

Under Des Moines’ city ordinances Article II - Dogs, a pit bull is automatically considered to be a “vicious” dog, and must be licensed as such. The Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Iowa, along with other animal activists, have proposed changes to the city’s pit bull ordinance that would amend the automatic labeling of the dogs as “vicious.”

While the ARL has voiced support for breed neutrality, others believe that the label should be downgraded to “high risk.” The City Council agrees with the latter, and a new ordinance will change the wording. It doesn’t matter for which designation a type of dog qualifies, if it causes long-term injury, dog bite law applies and the injured should call a dog bite attorney to file a claim.

Pit bulls have a higher incident rate of bites than any other dogs except for Alaskan huskies. The high number of pit bull bites in the city could suggest one of two things: that the city’s ordinance requiring pit bulls to be registered as vicious isn’t effective in reducing the number of dog bites, or that the problem could be much worse if the ordinance didn’t exist.

Preventing Dog Bites in Des Moines

While changing the word vicious to high risk in Des Moines’ city ordinances may not have much effect, lawmakers in Des Moines are hoping that other changes to city code will. In addition to changing registration/labeling requirements, and the enforced special liability insurance fees will also be enacted upon dog owners whose pets habitually violate the law.

Des Moines residents whose pets act aggressively more than once may potentially pay for the following.

  • Boarding fees
  • Micro-chipping
  • Impound fees

Bitten by a dog in Des Moines? Call a Dog Bite Attorney Today

Under Iowa dog bite law, dog owners are held under strict liability for harm caused by their dogs. This means that when a dog – pit bull or not – attacks another person, the dog’s owner is almost always responsible for paying for all damages.

To help you recover damages following a dog attack, contact the attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair today for all you need to know about Iowa’s dog bite laws, and what compensation you’re entitled to. Reach us now at (888) 435-9886.

Corey Walker
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With over 28 years legal experience, Corey has been recognized for his work as an injury attorney.