BSL Logo

California

breed Specific Legislation for California

[rank_math_breedcrumb]

Active Regulations

The following is a list of active breed-specific ordinances in California.
The list is in alphabetical order

City: Barstow

Ordinance:

Section: 8.20.010

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

(a) No person shall own or keep a pit bull over the age of four months which has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section.

(b) For the purposes of this chapter, the term "pit bull" means any Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, or American Staffordshire terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains, as an element of its breeding, any of these breeds so as to be identifiable as partially of one of these breeds.

City: Fontana

Ordinance:

Section: 4-69

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

(a) No person shall own or keep a Pit Bull subject to this article pursuant to section 4-66 which has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided in paragraph (b) below. For purposes of this section, "Pit Bull" is defined as any Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, or American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains, as an element of its breeding, any of these breeds so as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, or American Staffordshire Terrier.

City: Gilroy

Ordinance:

Section: 4.68

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

No person may own, keep, or harbor any dog within the city that the person in possession knew, or should have known, was a pit bull that has not been spayed or neutered unless:

(1) The pit bull is under eight (8) weeks of age.

(2) The pit bull cannot be spayed or neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death due to a physical abnormality. A veterinarian must certify such a condition and determine the time frame after which the pit bull can be spayed/neutered. Within thirty (30) days of the operative date of the ordinance codified in this article, or within thirty (30) days of taking possession or ownership of an unspayed or unneutered pit bull, the owner, guardian or keeper must submit such documentation to be verified by the department.

(3) The pit bull has been present in the city for less than thirty (30) days.

(4) The owner, guardian or keeper has obtained, or has submitted an application for, a breeding permit in accordance with section 4.72.

(5) Determination of breed is under appeal pursuant to section 4.67.

(6) The pit bull is a show dog. Within thirty (30) days of the operative date of the ordinance codified in this article, or within thirty (30) days of taking possession or ownership of an unspayed or unneutered pit bull, the owner, guardian or keeper must submit a copy of the organization papers (AKC or UKC) to the department, demonstrating the pedigree information and show dog registration and that the dog conforms with the same breeding permit guidelines set forth in section 4.72. (Ord. No. 2010-06, § VII, 4-5-10)

City: Hollister

Ordinance:

Section: 6.20.020

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

A.The following breeds of dogs are "restricted dogs," and are subject to the mandatory spay, neutering, and unaltered dog license requirements of this chapter:
1.Chihuahuas, as defined in Section 6.20.010; and

2.Pit Bulls, as defined in Section 6.20.010.

B.The following animals are exempt from the provisions of this section:
1.Restricted dogs documented as having been appropriately trained and actually being used by public law enforcement agencies for law enforcement activities, or dogs designated as breeding stock by an appropriate law enforcement agency or organization approved by the animal control supervisor after consultation with knowledgeable professionals;
2.Restricted dogs documented as having been appropriately trained and actually being used by search and rescue agencies for search and rescue activities, or dogs designated as breeding stock by an appropriate search and rescue agency or organization approved by the animal control supervisor after consultation with knowledgeable professionals;
3.Restricted dogs certified by a licensed veterinarian as having a health reason for not being spayed/neutered;
4.Restricted dogs boarded in a licensed kennel or a business which boards such animals for professional training or resale.

C.No person shall own, keep, or harbor a restricted dog in violation of this section.

D.No person shall own, keep, or harbor a dog over the age of six months which has not been spayed or neutered unless such person holds for the animal an unaltered dog certification for the animal issued pursuant to this chapter.

E.Any person intentionally providing care or sustenance for a restricted dog shall be deemed the owner of such dog and shall comply with this chapter.
(Ord. 1066, § 2, 2010)

City: Lancaster

Ordinance:

Section: 6.08.020

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

A.The following breeds of dogs are "restricted dogs," and are subject to the mandatory spay, neutering, and unaltered dog license requirements of this chapter:
1.Pit Bulls, as defined in Section 6.08.010; and
2.Rottweilers, as defined in Section 6.08.010.

B.No person may own, keep, or harbor a restricted dog in violation of this section. An owner or custodian of an unaltered restricted dog must have the dog spayed or neutered or submit written proof to the department that one of the following exceptions applies:
1.The restricted dog is less than four months of age;
2.The restricted dog cannot be spayed or neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death, which has been confirmed in writing by a licensed veterinarian. If applicable, the writing must also state the date by which the dog may be safely spayed or neutered;
3.The owner or custodian has obtained a license for an unaltered restricted dog pursuant to Section 6.08.030;
4.The determination of the dog's breed is under appeal pursuant to Section 6.08.020(D)(2);
5.The owner or custodian has owned or taken custody of the dog within the past thirty (30) days;

C. Determination of Breed and Appeal.
1.Determination. The department will make a breed determination upon request, or upon contact with, or impoundment of a dog believed to be an unaltered restricted dog. The determination shall be made by the director's designee in accordance with the department's breed determination checklist.
2. Appeal. The dog owner or custodian may appeal a breed determination by filing a written request for appeal with the department within ten days after notice of the determination is mailed to the owner or custodian. The determination of breed by the department's designee is deemed final if a timely appeal is not received by the department. The hearing on the appeal shall be held within thirty (30) days after the department's receipt of the request for appeal. The department shall mail written notification to the owner or custodian of the date, time, and place of the hearing, at least ten days prior to the hearing date. Failure of the owner or custodian or agent to appear at the hearing will result in forfeiture of the right to a hearing. The hearing shall be conducted by a hearing officer designated by the director.
The hearing will be informal and the rules of evidence will not be strictly observed. The determination of the hearing officer shall be the final administrative decision.
3. Notice of determination following hearing. The department shall mail written notification of the determination to the owner or custodian of the dog within ten (10) days after the hearing.
4. Confirmation of compliance with Section 6.08.020. The owner or custodian of an unaltered restricted dog shall comply with Section 6.08.020 within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice of determination that the unaltered dog is subject to Section 6.08.020, by submitting written documentation confirming compliance with that section. If the dog has been moved to another location before such written confirmation is required, the owner or custodian must provide the department with information as to the dog's whereabouts, including current owner or custodian's name, address, and telephone number.

City: Manteca

Ordinance:

Section: 6.10.050

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

No person may own, keep, or harbor any dog within the city that the person in possession knew, or should have known, was a pit bull that has not been spayed or neutered unless:

A. The pit bull is under eight weeks of age.

B. The pit bull cannot be spayed or neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death due to a physical abnormality. A veterinarian must certify such a condition and determine the time frame after which the pit bull can be spayed/neutered. Within thirty days of the operative date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, or within thirty days of, taking possession or ownership of an unspayed or unneutered pit bull, the owner, guardian or keeper must submit such documentation to be verified by the department.

C. The pit bull has been present in the city for less than thirty days.

D. The owner, guardian or keeper has obtained, or has submitted an application for a breeding permit in accordance with Section 6.10.090 of this chapter.

E. Determination of breed is under appeal pursuant to Section 6.10.040 above.

F. The pit bull is a show dog. Within thirty days of the operative date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, or within thirty days of taking possession or ownership of an unspayed or unneutered pit bull, the owner, guardian or keeper must submit a copy of the organization papers (AKC or UKC) to the department demonstrating the pedigree information and show dog registration and that the dog conforms with the same breeding permit guidelines set forth in Section 6.10.080 of this chapter below. (Ord. 1416 § 1, 2008)

City: Ripon

Ordinance:

Section: 6.56

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

6.56.050 Mandatory Spaying and Neutering of Pit Bulls; Exceptions No person may own, keep, or harbor any dog within the City that the person in possession knew, or should have known, was a pit bull that has not been spayed or neutered unless:
A. The pit bull is under eight weeks of age.
B. The pit bull cannot be spayed or neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death due to a physical abnormality. A veterinarian must certify such a condition, determine the time frame after which the pit bull can be spayed/neutered. Within thirty (30) days of the operative date of this ordinance, or within thirty (30) days of, taking possession or ownership of an unspayed or unneutered pit bull, the owner, guardian or keeper must submit such documentation to be verified by the Department.
C. The pit bull has been present in the City for less than thirty (30) days.
D. The owner, guardian or keeper has obtained, or has submitted an application for a breeding permit in accordance with Section 6.56.090 of this chapter.
E. Determination of breed is under appeal pursuant to Section 6.56.040 above.
F. The pit bull is a show dog. Within thirty (30) days of the operative date of this ordinance, or within thirty (30) days of taking possession or ownership of an unspayed or unneutered pit bull, the owner, guardian or keeper must submit a copy of the organization papers (AKC or UKC) to the Department demonstrating the pedigree information and show dog registration and that the dog conforms with the same breeding permit guidelines set forth in Section 6.56.080 of this chapter below. (Ord. 741 §1, 2006)

City: Riverside

Ordinance:

Section: 8.21.040

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

G.Mandatory spay neutering of pit bull breed dogs. No person shall own or possess a pit bull over the age of four months that has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided for in subsection D of this ordinance.

City: San Bernardino County

Ordinance:

Section: 32.1501

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

(a) Pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 122331, no person shall own or keep a Pit Bull over the age of four months which has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided in Subdivision (b) below. For purposes of this Section, “Pit Bull” is defined as any Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains, as an element of its breeding, any of these breeds so as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier.

(b) The following Pit Bulls are exempt from Subdivision (a) above: a purebred Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier, recognized by and registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), or other national registry; a dog used by a law enforcement agency for law enforcement purposes; a qualified service or assistance dog as defined in Food and Agriculture Code § 30850; a dog which is unable to be spayed or neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death due to age or infirmity and the owner or keeper of such dog provides to the Health Officer written confirmation of the condition from a licensed veterinarian; a dog used for breeding at a licensed breeding kennel as defined in § 32.0301.

City: San Francisco

Ordinance:

Section: 43.1

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

No person may own, keep, or harbor any dog within the City and County of San Francisco that the person in possession knew, or should have known, was a pit bull that has not been spayed or neutered unless:
(a) The pit bull is under eight weeks of age;
(b) The pit bull cannot be spayed or neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death due to a physical abnormality. A veterinarian must certify such a condition, determine the time frame after which the pit bull can be spayed/neutered. Within 30 days of the operative date of this ordinance, or within 30 days of, taking possession or ownership of an unspayed or unneutered pit bull, the owner, guardian or keeper must submit such documentation to be verified by the Department;
(c) The pit bull has been present in the City and County of San Francisco for less than thirty days;
(d) The owner, guardian or keeper has obtained, or has submitted an application for a breeding permit in accordance with Section 44 et seq. of the San Francisco Health Code;
(e) Determination of breed is under appeal pursuant to Section 43(b) above; or
(f) The pit bull is a show dog. Within 30 days of the operative date of this ordinance, or within 30 days of taking possession or ownership of an unspayed or unneutered pit bull, the owner, guardian or keeper must submit a copy of the organization papers (AKC or UKC) to the Department of Animal Care and Control demonstrating the pedigree information and show dog registration and that the dog conforms with the same breeding permit guidelines set forth in Sections 44.1(a)(3)(A), 44.1(a)(3)(B), 44.1(a)(3)(C) and 44.1(a)(3)(D).


City: Santa Rosa

Ordinance:

Section: 7-30-210

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

No person shall own, harbor, or keep within the City, a pit bull over the age of four months, which has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided in Section 7-30.200. (Ord. 3796 § 4, 2006)

City: Sonoma County

Ordinance:

Section: 5-171

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

Except as provided in subsections (a)-(g) below, all owners cited for dogs running at large for violation of Section 5-115 shall have their dog spayed and neutered at the owner's expense.
(a) Dogs documented as having been appropriately trained and actually being used by public law enforcement agencies for law enforcement activities, or such dogs designated as breeding stock by an appropriate agency or organization approved by the director after consultation with knowledgeable professionals;
(b) Dogs documented as having been appropriately trained and actually being used as an assistance dog, such as a service dog, guide dog, signal dog, or social dog, or such dogs designated as breeding stock by an appropriate agency or organization approved by the director after consultation with knowledgeable professionals;
(c) Dogs documented as having been appropriately trained and actually being used by search and rescue agencies for search and rescue activities, or such dogs designated as breeding stock by an appropriate agency or organization approved by the director after consultation with knowledgeable professionals;
(d) Dogs certified by a licensed veterinarian as having a health reason for not being spayed/neutered;
(e) Dogs which are appropriately trained and actually being used for herding of other animals, or as livestock guardian dogs, hunting dogs, or such dogs, designated as breeding stock by an appropriate agency or organization approved by the director after consultation with knowledgeable professionals;
(f) Dogs boarded in a licensed kennel or a business, which boards such animals for professional training or resale;
(g) Dogs which are registered with the American Kennel Club, United Kingdom Kennel Club, and/or American Dog Breeders Association Incorporated and trained and kept for the purpose of show, field trials and agility trials.


City: Yucaipa

Ordinance:

Section: 6.04.098

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

A. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 122331, no person shall own or keep a pit bull over the age of four months which has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided in subsection B. For purposes of this section, “pit bull” is defined as any Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains, as an element of its breeding, any of these breeds so as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier.

B. The following pit bulls are exempt from subsection A: a purebred Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier, recognized by and registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), or other national registry; a dog used by a law enforcement agency for law enforcement purposes; a qualified service or assistance dog as defined in Food and Agriculture Code Section 30850; a dog which is unable to be spayed or neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death due to age or infirmity and the owner or keeper of such dog provides to the health officer written confirmation of the condition from a licensed veterinarian. (Ord. 303 § 1, 2010)

City: Yucca Valley

Ordinance:

Section: 10.02.175

Last Verified:

05/13/2022

Ordinance Adopted:

Unknown

Breeds:

Pit bulls

Type 

Mandatory Spayed/Neutered

Excerpt

A. Purpose And Intent: Pit bull breeds and pit bull mixes constitute a majority of unadopted dogs held in animal shelters. It is the purpose and intent of this section that no person shall own or keep a "pit bull" (as defined below) over the age of four (4) months which has not been spayed or neutered, except as identified in subsection E of this section.
B. Definitions: For purposes of this section, "pit bull" is defined as any Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier or American Staffordshire terrier breed of dog, or any mixed breed of dog which contains, as an element of its breeding, any of these breeds so as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of Staffordshire bull terrier or American pit bull terrier or American Staffordshire terrier, any dog displaying the physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics that conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club ("AKC") or United Kennel Club ("UKC") for any of the above breeds.
C. Determination Of The Breed:
1. If an owner, guardian or keeper is unsure as to whether or not his/her unspayed and/or unneutered dog is a pit bull, she/he may make an appointment with their veterinarian to determine as to whether or not the dog is a "pit bull", as defined in this section. Proof of determined breed(s) shall be provided to town of Yucca Valley animal care and control services and will be kept on file with the licensing record.
2. If an owner, guardian or keeper is unsure as to whether or not his/her unspayed and/or unneutered dog is a pit bull and does not wish to use a veterinarian to determine as to whether or not the dog is a pit bull then he/she may make an appointment with animal care and control services at which a staff member shall make a determination as to whether or not the dog is a pit bull. If the dog owner, guardian or keeper wishes to appeal the determination the dog is a pit bull, within five (5) business days of the staff member's determination he/she may request a hearing before the animal care and control manager or his/her designee. The hearing shall be no more than thirty (30) days after the manager receives the request. The hearing may be informal and the rules of evidence are not strictly observed. The decision of the manager or his/her designee is final.
D. Mandatory Spaying And Neutering Of Pit Bulls And Pit Bull Types: Pursuant to California Health And Safety Code 122331, no person shall own or keep a "pit bull" or pit bull type dog, as defined in this section, over the age of four (4) months which has not been spayed or neutered. This spay/neuter requirement does not apply to that class of pit bulls identified in subsection E of this section.
E. Exceptions: The following pit bulls are exempt from the spay/neuter requirement set forth in subsection D of this section: 1) a purebred Staffordshire bull terrier, purebred American pit bull terrier or purebred American Staffordshire terrier, recognized by, and registered with, the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC) for which proof of registration shall be provided to town of Yucca Valley animal care and control services; 2) a dog used by a law enforcement agency for law enforcement purposes; 3) a qualified service or assistance dog as defined in Food And Agricultural Code section 30850; or 4) a dog which is unable to be spayed or neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death due to age or infirmity in which the owner or keeper of such dog provides to the animal control officer written confirmation of the condition from a licensed veterinarian.
F. Enforcement And Penalties: In accordance with section 836.5 of the California Penal Code, the civil and criminal provisions of this section may be enforced by those persons or agencies designated by municipal authority. Violations of this section may also be punishable in accordance with title 1, chapter 1.02, sections 1.02.010 through 1.01.090 of this code. It shall be a violation of this section to interfere with the animal control officer in the performance of his/her duties.
G. Reporting Requirements: As required by California Health And Safety Code section 122331(b), the animal control officer shall measure the effect of this section by compiling statistical information on dog bites. The information shall, at a minimum, identify dog bites by severity, the breed of the dog involved, whether the dog was altered, and whether the breed of dog was subject to the spay/neuter program established hereby. These statistics shall be submitted quarterly to the state public health veterinarian. (Ord. 244, 10-15-2013)


Repealed Ordinances

The following is a list of breed-specific ordinances which have been repealed.
The list is in alphabetical order.

City: Irondale

Old Ordinance:

3.90 & 3.91

Breeds:

Pit Bulls

Removal Date:

April 2019

Source(s):

Ordianance# 2019-12

List of Breed Specific Legislation in California

City Ordinance Breeds Type of Ordinance Last Checked Notes
Barstow Section: 8.20 Pit Bulls Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023
Fontana Section: 4-69 Pit Bulls Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023
Gilroy Section: 4.68 Pit Bulls Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023
Hollister Section: 6.20 Pit Bulls & Chihuahuas Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023
Lancaster Section: 6.08 Pit Bulls & Rottweilers Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023
Manteca Section: 6.10 Pit Bulls Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023
Ripon Section: 6.56 Pit Bulls Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023
Riverside Section: 8.21.040 Pit Bulls Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023
San Bernardino County Section: 32.1501 Pit Bulls Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023
San Francisco Section: 43 Pit Bulls Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023
Santa Rosa Section: 7-30.210 Pit Bulls Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023
Sonoma County Section: 5-171 Pit Bulls Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023
Yucaipa Section: 6.04.098 Pit Bulls Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023
Yucca Valley Section: 10.02.175 Pit Bulls Mandatory Spayed/Neutered 01/31/2023

Helps Us

Laws are always changing, and keeping up is hard for us. If you see a mistake in our data, we want to know. Please use this link to report changes in laws to help us provide the most up-to-date information for you and others.
Report Changes

FAQ

Breed Specific Legislation raise a lot of questions. We put together an FAQ page to help answer some of the most common questions we have ever asked.
BSL FAQ

Check Other States Breed Specific Legislation

Disclaimer. We take multiple steps to ensure the information on this site is accurate and up to date. However, since there are so many legislation bodies it is difficult to track all instances of breed specific legislation. If we are missing something or if we have an error please let us know and will get it corrected.

Finally, information on this site is not intended to be used as legal advice. If you are facing BSL in your city, please reach out to your respect legislator or attorney.
arrow-right