Shasta County, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

040 incorporates Chapter 9, Division 14 of the state Food and Agricultural Code (beginning at Section 31601) by reference for determining whether a dog is potentially dangerous or vicious, meaning the county's rules apply to any dog's conduct rather than its breed. When an animal regulation officer finds probable cause that a dog is potentially dangerous or vicious, the supervisor of the sheriff's animal regulation unit, or the contract agency's chief executive officer, files a petition with the county administrative officer for a hearing. Petitions and hearings follow the timing and procedures set in state Food and Agricultural Code Sections 31621 through 31623, and the hearing officer can subpoena witnesses and documents, swear testimony, and record the proceedings.

The county administrative officer must issue a written determination and any orders within 30 days of the hearing, mailed or personally served on the owner. A dog found potentially dangerous or vicious is flagged on the animal regulation unit's records, and its owner pays an added annual recordkeeping fee on top of standard licensing and permit fees. Either the petitioner or the dog's owner can appeal an adverse determination as provided under the Food and Agricultural Code, and sanctions imposed on dogs before this ordinance's enactment remain in effect.