Burbank, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed Bans
- None - prohibited by state law
- State Law
- CA Food & Agric. Code S 31683
- Local Basis
- Behavior, not breed (BMC 5-1-1602)
Summary
Burbank imposes no breed-specific restrictions. Its potentially-dangerous and vicious-animal rules are based on behavior, and California Food and Agricultural Code section 31683 prohibits any dog-control program from being breed-specific.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a city or county from adopting or enforcing its own program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs that may incorporate all, part, or none of this chapter, or that may punish a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except as provided in Section 122331 of the Health and Safety Code, no program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed.
Full Breakdown
Burbank Municipal Code Article 16 (Potentially Dangerous and Vicious Animals) defines 'potentially dangerous' and 'vicious' animals solely by behavior - e.g., an unprovoked animal that bites or that, on two occasions in 36 months, requires defensive action - not by breed (BMC 5-1-1602). This conforms to California Food and Agricultural Code section 31683, which provides that 'no program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed' (with a narrow exception in Health and Safety Code section 122331 allowing breed-specific spay/neuter or breeding programs only). Accordingly, no breed (including pit bulls) is banned or restricted in Burbank; any dog may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious only through the behavior-based hearing process in BMC 5-1-1603, after which the hearing officer may impose enclosure, microchip, licensing, and other requirements.
Violations & Fines
An animal adjudicated potentially dangerous or vicious must meet the hearing officer's conditions (licensing, rabies vaccination, secure enclosure conforming to Penal Code 597t, microchip, etc.) within 30-35 days; a vicious animal may be ordered destroyed if its release would significantly threaten public safety (BMC 5-1-1603).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls or any breeds banned in Burbank?
Can Burbank regulate my dog at all based on breed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burbank
How Burbank compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Burbank 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.