Arcadia, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Section 4128.1.1 of the Arcadia Municipal Code defines a vicious and dangerous dog by conduct. The definition covers a dog that when unprovoked inflicts injury, bites, attacks or kills a human being or domestic animal; a dog that approaches a person in a vicious or terrorizing manner in apparent attitude of attack on streets, sidewalks or public grounds; a dog with a known propensity to attack unprovoked; a dog that engages in or was trained for dog fighting; an at-large dog that attacks, menaces or chases a person or domestic animal; and a dog seized under Section 599aa of the Penal Code after a conviction under Section 597.5(a). Section 4128.2 excludes police dogs, licensed kennels, shelters and veterinarians, and bars a declaration when the injured person was trespassing with criminal intent, teasing, tormenting, abusing or assaulting the dog, or when the dog was defending a person from an unjustified attack.

The process starts with seizure. Under Section 4128.3 the Poundmaster or any Peace Officer can seize and impound a dog on probable cause, and the Poundmaster must give the owner written notice within forty-eight hours. A Hearing Officer designated by the City Manager holds the hearing within ten working days of seizure, and no fewer than five working days after service of notice. The Hearing Officer decides on a preponderance of the evidence and issues the decision within fifteen days after the hearing under Section 4128.5.

A declared dog carries orders that must be met within thirty days of the determination, or thirty-five days if notice is mailed. Section 4128.5(b) requires the dog to be licensed and vaccinated, with a designation fee set by City Council resolution. On the owner's property the dog stays indoors or in a securely fenced yard from which it cannot escape and into which children cannot trespass. Off the premises it needs a substantial leash of appropriate length and a responsible adult. The owner must tell the Poundmaster in writing within five working days if the dog dies, is sold, or leaves the City. An owner who contests the decision has five days from receipt of notice to appeal to the Superior Court, which hears the matter de novo.

Section 4128.6 removes the designation after thirty-six months without a new incident. Section 4128.7 allows destruction when release would create a significant threat, and Section 4128.8 allows a ban of up to three years on owning any dog.