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

Lassen County has no breed-specific ban. Chapter 8.08 (General Animal Regulations) of Title 8 expressly incorporates by reference California Food and Agricultural Code sections 31602 through 31605 and 31621 through 31626, the state framework for 'potentially dangerous' and 'vicious' dogs. Under that framework a dog is regulated based on its individual conduct — for example, attacking or causing injury, or behavior requiring defensive action — rather than on its breed or appearance. The County code language notes a presumption of dangerousness for animals that demonstrate specified aggressive behaviors, mirroring the state definitions. Critically, California Food and Agricultural Code section 31683 allows local dangerous-dog programs but prohibits any local rule that is breed-specific in declaring a dog potentially dangerous or vicious; this preempts a county from singling out pit bulls or any other breed for a ban (spay/neuter programs are the narrow exception). In practice, dangerous-dog determinations in unincorporated Lassen County proceed against an individual dog through the state-law hearing process, and owners of a dog declared potentially dangerous or vicious face confinement, control and possible disposition requirements. Owners should contact Lassen County Animal Control for the local hearing and appeal procedure.