Alameda County does not impose breed-specific bans. California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 preempts local breed discrimination in licensing and ownership, though mandatory spay/neuter for specific breeds is permitted.
Under California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683, cities and counties are preempted from adopting breed-specific legislation (BSL) that declares a dog dangerous or vicious based solely on breed. Alameda County Animal Services follows this state law and does not restrict any breed from ownership or licensing. However, the statute permits local breed-specific spay/neuter and breeding regulations, which Alameda County has not currently adopted at the county level. Individual cities within the county (not unincorporated areas) may impose such mandatory sterilization for breeds like pit bulls. Dogs deemed dangerous or vicious through individual behavior follow the hearing procedures in F&A Code Chapter 9. Landlords and insurers may still enforce private breed restrictions.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Alameda County's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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