Hayward, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

50 govern dangerous-animal declarations, and neither turns on breed. 01(h) defines 'Potentially Dangerous' more broadly, covering an animal that threatens another animal off its owner's property, acts aggressively enough to require defensive measures, or poses a threat to public safety. 51 and finds probable cause, the owner must be notified in writing within five days, using the statutory notice form set out in the code, explaining the right to a hearing. 53, and the City must hold it within fifteen days of the request before an animal control supervisor or other hearing officer not bound by formal rules of evidence.

52 requires the owner to confine it at an approved shelter, at the owner's expense, while the hearing is pending. 54, which can order confinement, fencing, muzzling, leashing, posting of warning signs, proof of liability insurance, spay or neuter, behavior training, microchipping, or, in the most serious cases, humane destruction. 55 makes the City's impoundment and abatement costs a debt owed by the owner, due within thirty days, and the animal cannot be released until those costs are paid.