NRS 202.500
Dangerous or vicious dogs: Unlawful acts

  • penalties.

1.

For the purposes of this section, a dog is:

(a)

“Dangerous” if:

(1)

It is so declared pursuant to subsection 2; or

(2)

Without provocation, on two separate occasions within 18 months, it behaved menacingly, to a degree that would lead a reasonable person to defend himself or herself against substantial bodily harm, when the dog was:
(I) Off the premises of its owner or keeper; or
(II) Not confined in a cage, pen or vehicle.

(b)

“Provoked” when it is tormented or subjected to pain.

(c)

“Vicious” if:

(1)

Without being provoked, it killed or inflicted substantial bodily harm upon a human being; or

(2)

After its owner or keeper had been notified by a law enforcement agency that the dog is dangerous, the dog continued the behavior described in paragraph (a).

2.

A dog may be declared dangerous by a law enforcement agency if it is used in the commission of a crime by its owner or keeper.

3.

A dog may not be found dangerous or vicious:

(a)

Based solely on the breed of the dog; or

(b)

Because of a defensive act against a person who was committing or attempting to commit a crime or who provoked the dog.

4.

A person who knowingly:

(a)

Owns or keeps a vicious dog, for more than 7 days after the person has actual notice that the dog is vicious; or

(b)

Transfers ownership of a vicious dog after the person has actual notice that the dog is vicious,
Ê is guilty of a misdemeanor.

5.

If substantial bodily harm results from an attack by a dog known to be vicious, its owner or keeper is guilty of a category D felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130. In lieu of, or in addition to, a penalty provided in this subsection, the judge may order the vicious dog to be humanely destroyed.

6.

A local authority shall not adopt or enforce an ordinance or regulation that deems a dog dangerous or vicious based solely on the breed of the dog.

7.

This section does not apply to a dog used by a law enforcement officer in the performance of his or her duty.

8.

As used in this section, “local authority” means the governing board of a county, city or other political subdivision having authority to enact laws or ordinances or promulgate regulations relating to dogs.

Source: Section 202.500 — Dangerous or vicious dogs: Unlawful acts; penalties., https://www.­leg.­state.­nv.­us/NRS/NRS-202.­html#NRS202Sec500.

Last Updated

Jun. 24, 2021

§ 202.500’s source at nv​.us