Bellflower, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed named or banned
- none
- Vicious-dog trigger
- 2+ bites = prima facie evidence
- Owner duty
- confine per Director's written order
- Noncompliance risk
- impoundment or summary destruction
Summary
Bellflower has no breed-specific ordinance; a dog is declared wild or vicious only after a proven disposition to attack or two or more recorded bites.
Any dog having a disposition or propensity to attack or bite any person or animal without provocation is hereby defined as a wild or vicious animal. The Director shall notify the owner or harborer in writing to keep such animal within a substantial enclosure or securely attached to a chain or any other type of control which is reasonably adequate under the circumstances. If such restraint is impossible or impracticable, such animal shall be impounded until the owner or harborer is able to comply with the Director's order. If, upon receiving said written notification, the owner or harborer fails to provide adequate restraint or control of said animal as ordered by the Director within a reasonable time, said animal shall be subject to summary destruction.
C. Where the official records of the Director indicate a dog has bitten any person or persons or animal on two or more separate occasions, it shall be prima facie evidence that said dog is a wild or vicious animal. (Prior code § 4-33)
Full Breakdown
Under the chapter governing animals running at large, a dog is legally defined as 'wild or vicious' not by its breed but by its own behavior: a demonstrated disposition or propensity to attack or bite a person or animal without provocation. City records showing two or more separate bites create prima facie evidence that the dog is wild or vicious. Once so declared, the Director orders the owner in writing to keep the dog in a secure enclosure or on an adequately strong chain; if that restraint is impossible or impracticable, the dog is impounded until the owner can comply.
Violations & Fines
Failing to secure a declared vicious dog after the Director's written order results in impoundment; if the owner still can't or won't provide adequate restraint, the dog is subject to summary destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bellflower ban pit bulls or other breeds?
What happens once a dog is declared vicious?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellflower
How Bellflower compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Bellflower to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle breed restrictions.