For the purposes of this chapter, a “dangerous animal” is defined as:
1. Any animal which is not naturally tame or gentle, and which is of a wild nature or disposition, and which is capable of killing, inflicting serious injury upon, or causing disease among human beings or domestic animals and having known tendencies as a species to do so.
2. An animal which has demonstrated a propensity to attack or bite without provocation.
3. Any of the following animals, which are deemed to be dangerous animals per se: † 5
A. Badgers, wolverines, weasels, and skunks.
B. Raccoons and minks.
C. Scorpions.
D. Pit bulls, herein defined to be:
(1) The bull terrier breed of dog.
(2) The Staffordshire bull terrier breed.
(3) The American pit bull terrier breed.
(4) The American Staffordshire terrier breed.
(5) Dogs of mixed breed or other breed which are known as pit bulls, pit bull dogs, or pit bull terriers.
(6) Any dog which has the appearance or characteristics of being predominantly of the breeds listed above.
E. Any crossbreeds of such animals which have similar characteristics to the animals specified above.
Notes
| 5 | † EDITOR’S NOTE: Certain other dangerous animals, listed in Chapter 717F.1, Paragraph 5a, of the Code of Iowa, are specifically prohibited and regulated by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. |