Last Updated: 8/24/2023

A potentially dangerous dog is one that bit someone, chases or approaches a person on "public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack," or a dog with a known propensity to attack without being provoked. It also can be a dog older than eight weeks that is born to a dog found to be dangerous.

After reporting a potentially dangerous dog in Des Moines, the city will take certain steps to determine if the dog is potentially dangerous.

What will happen once the city impounds the dog?

The city may declare a dog potentially dangerous or dangerous based on probable cause. This can include your complaint and testimony, reports of dog bites, testimony by an animal control officer or police officer, a previous report the dog was found dangerous by another authority, or other evidence.

The city may notify the owner of the dog that it declared the dog dangerous or potentially dangerous. The owner may appeal the decision, but the city may impound the dog during the appeal. The Des Moines Municipal Court or a higher court either will order the dog's redemption or destruction.

If redeemed, the owner must get a special license for the dog and pay an initial fee, as well as subsequent renewal fees. The owner must confine the dog on the owner's property and post proper warnings that the property contains a potentially dangerous dog. The owner also must obtain a surety bond of no less than $100,000 that is payable to a person injured by the dog. The court may order the owner to spay or neuter the dog, if not already spayed or neutered.

The owner will receive a certificate of registration upon showing compliance with the confinement and other requirements listed above.

If Bitten in Des Moines, Call Walker, Billingsley & Bair

Iowa law protects victims from having to pay for injuries out of pocket from dog bites. If a dog bit you, the owner of the dog will be liable for your injuries and damages related to the bite. An exception, though, is if you trespassed or provoked the dog in some way when it bit you.

If you have questions about your legal rights or need help pursuing compensation for damages, contact the attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair. Call (888) 435-9886 or set up your consultation via our online contact form.

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