Madera County, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis for restriction
- Behavior, not breed
- Trigger
- Complaint investigated by animal control
- Possible order
- Enclosure or other control
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Madera County has no breed-specific dog ban; instead it controls dangerous animals through a behavior-based vicious-animal declaration and control order.
Upon receipt of a complaint about a vicious animal, the animal control officer shall investigate the circumstances upon which the complaint is based. If the animal control officer finds that the animal is a vicious animal, he shall notify the owner of the vicious animal, if known, of all the facts and circumstances. The animal control officer may order the owner to keep the animal within an enclosure or under any other type of control the animal control officer deems adequate under the circumstances. Failure of the owner to provide adequate control of the vicious animal as prescribed by the animal control officer is a violation of this section and shall be dealt with under the provisions of Section 6.04.470 and this article.
(Ord. 479 § 2(part), 1984).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Madera County does not restrict ownership by breed. Instead, on a complaint about a vicious animal, the animal control officer investigates and, if the animal is found vicious, notifies the owner and may order the animal kept in an enclosure or under other control the officer deems adequate. Failing to comply is a violation that can lead to impoundment and, after notice and an appeal hearing, humane destruction of the animal. Nothing in this chapter singles out any breed.
Violations & Fines
Failing to provide the ordered control of a declared vicious animal violates Section 6.04.460 and triggers impoundment procedures under Section 6.04.470, which can end in the animal's destruction if the order is upheld after a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Madera County ban specific dog breeds?
What can happen if my dog is declared vicious?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
How Madera County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.