Beaumont, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 6.10 of the Beaumont Municipal Code defines a potentially dangerous dog by what the dog has done, and the definition names no breed. Section 6.10.010 covers a dog that, unprovoked, on two separate occasions within the prior 36-month period engages in behavior requiring a person to take defensive action to prevent bodily injury while off the owner's property. It also covers a dog that, unprovoked, bites a person causing a less severe injury than a severe injury, and a dog that, unprovoked, twice within 36 months has killed, seriously bitten or otherwise injured a domestic animal off the owner's property. Severe injury means muscle tears, disfiguring lacerations, multiple sutures or corrective or cosmetic surgery. The chapter does not apply to licensed kennels, humane society shelters, animal control facilities, veterinarians or police dogs at work (§ 6.10.020).

Declaration runs through a hearing. Under § 6.10.030 the Animal Services Officer needs probable cause, then serves a Notice of Hearing by personal service or first-class mail with return receipt, together with any signed public complaints relied on. The hearing follows Chapter 6.22 before the Chief of Police or a designee, within ten business days of the hearing officer's appointment. The officer decides on a preponderance of the evidence and can order the conditions listed in § 6.12.070. If a dog poses an immediate threat, § 6.10.040 allows seizure pending the hearing, and the owner pays the City's keeping costs if the dog is later adjudicated potentially dangerous. Section 6.10.050 bars a declaration where the injured person was committing a willful trespass or tort, teasing or assaulting the dog, or committing a crime, where the dog was defending a person from an unjustified attack, or where a working hunting, herding or predator control dog caused the injury.

Chapter 6.12 covers vicious dogs, where release conditions include a 12-month registration fee, a locked enclosure, a muzzle and leash held by an adult 18 or older, sterilization, liability insurance, a Beware of Dog sign and microchip or tattoo identification.