Kings County, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Classification
- Infraction, deemed a nuisance
- Legal standard
- Cal. Food & Ag Code §31601
- Complaint route
- Animal control officer
- Breed-specific ban
- None: behavior-based only
Summary
Kings County has no breed-specific dog ban. Any dog defined as vicious or potentially dangerous under state Food and Agriculture Code section 31601 is an infraction and a public nuisance under county law.
The owning or harboring of any dog which is vicious or potentially dangerous as defined by California Food and Agriculture Code section 31601 et seq. shall be an infraction and such animal shall be deemed a nuisance.
Any person may contact the animal control officer to file a complaint. The complaint shall state the place where such nuisance exists, describe such animal and its conduct and give the name and address of its owner, if known. The animal control officer upon complaint or his own knowledge shall investigate and if a violation exists, may cause notice of abatement to be issued, make an arrest in accordance with section 4-8, or take such other action as is necessary. This shall be in addition to any remedies available under California Food and Agriculture Code section 31601 et seq.
(Ord. No. 672, § 2, 6-30-15)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
Kings County Code section 4-77 declares owning or harboring a vicious or potentially dangerous dog, as defined by California Food and Agriculture Code section 31601 et seq., an infraction and a public nuisance: the county has adopted no breed-specific restriction of its own. Anyone may file a complaint with the animal control officer describing the dog, its conduct, and the owner's name and address if known. The officer investigates and, if a violation is found, may issue a notice of abatement, make an arrest under section 4-8, or take other necessary action, in addition to state-law remedies.
Violations & Fines
Owning or harboring a vicious or potentially dangerous dog is an infraction; after investigating a complaint the animal control officer may issue a notice of abatement or make an arrest under section 4-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kings County ban pit bulls or other breeds?
How do I report a dangerous dog in unincorporated Kings County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kings County
How Kings County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Kings County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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