Hayward imposes no breed bans. CA Food and Ag Code 31683 preempts breed-specific legislation, though spay/neuter mandates are allowed. Dangerous dog rules apply by behavior, not breed.
California state law (Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683) expressly prohibits cities and counties from enacting breed-specific legislation (BSL) that declares a dog dangerous or vicious based solely on breed. Hayward complies with this preemption and regulates dogs based on individual behavior through HMC Chapter 6 and state vicious dog laws. Owners of dogs deemed dangerous after a hearing face registration, insurance, confinement, and muzzle requirements. California does allow breed-specific mandatory spay and neuter programs (Section 31683 exception), though Hayward has not adopted one. Landlords and insurance companies may still impose private breed restrictions on tenants and policyholders.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle breed restrictions.
See how Hayward's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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