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

Lake County Code Section 4-14 defines a "vicious animal" by conduct, not breed: an animal that, without provocation, attacks a person or another animal causing injury or damage, or behaves in a way that constitutes a physical threat of bodily harm to a peaceable person. 2 makes it unlawful to maintain a vicious animal in the unincorporated area unless it is penned, muzzled, or otherwise confined so it cannot bite, attack, or injure. 3 declares any violation a public nuisance. 4, the Animal Control Director investigates suspected vicious animals and, if the animal meets the definition, serves the owner an abatement order; the owner has five days to comply or request a Board of Supervisors hearing, which stays the order pending the Board's decision.

4(c) can require a $50,000 public liability insurance policy, a specific enclosure design, a fixed residence location for the animal, particular restraint or muzzling methods, and identification photographs. 5 lets the Director cite the owner, refer the case for prosecution, or impound the animal; an impounded animal not redeemed within fourteen days of written notice is humanely destroyed. 6 allows immediate seizure without a preseizure notice when the animal poses an immediate safety risk. 8 to modify or remove the order.