La Mesa, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- LMMC Ch. 8.11, readopted 2022
- Source of standards
- San Diego County Code §§62.669.1-62.675
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine or 12 months jail
- Enforcement
- San Diego County Animal Services (contract)
- Adopting ordinance
- Ord. 2022-2892, January 11, 2022
Summary
In the City of La Mesa, dangerous and guard dog law isn't written locally: Chapter 8.11 of the Municipal Code adopts San Diego County's Code of Regulations by reference for guard-dog and potentially-dangerous-animal declarations, hearings, and impoundment, while keeping a separate city penalty clause for violations.
8.11.020 - Guard dogs, dangerous dogs or potentially dangerous animals. Adopted by reference, based on Section 62.669.5 of the San Diego County Code of Regulations. ... 8.11.060 - Penalty. Whenever any act is prohibited or declared to be unlawful, or an offense, or doing of any act is required, or the failure to do any act is declared unlawful or a misdemeanor by the provisions of this chapter or the laws incorporated therein by reference, the violation of any such provision is a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months, or by both such fine and imprisonment unless some other fine or penalty is specifically stated in this chapter or in the laws incorporated therein by reference. However, if the comparable section by the county charges the violation as an infraction, then the violation shall be charged as an infraction.
Full Breakdown
Rather than defining 'dangerous' or 'potentially dangerous' dog criteria itself, La Mesa's Chapter 8.11, readopted by Ordinance 2022-2892 on January 11, 2022, incorporates San Diego County's regulations wholesale. Section 8.11.010 adopts County Code Section 62.669.1 for public protection from dogs; Section 8.11.020 adopts County Section 62.669.5 to define guard dogs, dangerous dogs and potentially dangerous animals; Section 8.11.030 adopts County Section 62.674 for the proceedings that declare a dog dangerous; and Section 8.11.040 adopts County Section 62.675 for impoundment, abatement and the restrictions placed on a dog once declared dangerous.
Section 8.11.050 substitutes city officials, boards and territory for the County's wherever the incorporated county text refers to them, reflecting that La Mesa contracts with San Diego County Animal Services for day-to-day enforcement; a copy of the adopting ordinance is kept on file with the city clerk. Section 8.11.060 sets the citywide penalty: violating the chapter, or any of the county provisions it incorporates, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to twelve months in jail, or both, unless a different fine or penalty is stated.
If the County treats the comparable violation as an infraction rather than a misdemeanor, La Mesa charges it the same way. This by-reference structure means a resident must consult the underlying San Diego County Code of Regulations sections named above to see the actual declaration criteria and restriction terms.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 8.11, including the incorporated County dangerous-dog and guard-dog provisions, is a misdemeanor under Section 8.11.060, carrying a fine of up to $1,000, up to twelve months in county jail, or both, unless another penalty is specified. When San Diego County classifies the comparable offense as an infraction rather than a misdemeanor, La Mesa charges the violation as an infraction instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does La Mesa write its own dangerous dog law?
What is the penalty for violating La Mesa's dangerous dog chapter?
Who enforces dangerous dog rules in La Mesa?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in La Mesa
How La Mesa compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare La Mesa to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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