Bishop, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed ban
- None in Bishop
- State rule
- No breed-specific programs
- State cite
- CA Food & Ag Code 31683
- Vicious-dog rule
- BMC 6.04.130
- Basis
- Behavior, not breed
Summary
Bishop has no breed-specific ban. California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 prohibits any dog program from being breed-specific, so no breed is outlawed. Bishop instead regulates individual dogs declared vicious or dangerous, regardless of breed.
No program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed.
Full Breakdown
There is no pit bull or other breed ban in Bishop. California Food and Agricultural Code 31683 states plainly that no program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed, which preempts breed-specific legislation statewide (a city may still adopt spay/neuter programs that are not breed-specific). Bishop instead targets behavior: under Municipal Code 6.04.130 the health officer or county animal control officer may declare a dog vicious and require it be kept securely fastened by chain or confined on private property, with a posted warning sign. Municipal Code 6.08.070 makes it unlawful to permit any dangerous or vicious animal to run at large.
Violations & Fines
A dog declared vicious must be securely confined and its premises posted; failure is enforced as an infraction under the animal-control chapter (BMC 6.04.200), with impoundment possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls banned in Bishop?
Can Bishop declare my dog vicious?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bishop
How Bishop compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Bishop to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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