Merced, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

The definition covers any animal, including a dog, that behaves so its owner knows or should know it threatens public safety, that would threaten safety because of its size, training, or vicious propensity if uncontrolled, that requires substantial defensive action to prevent injury, or that attacks another lawfully confined animal (Sec. 010(J)). A "vicious animal" under Sec. 010(AA) is one that has actually bitten or attacked a person or animal without provocation. Any person with personal knowledge of a dangerous or vicious animal may file a signed affidavit with the animal control manager describing the incident, and the filing must occur within 30 days of the event (Sec.

290(E)-(F)). Animal control investigates, can impound the animal immediately if it poses an imminent threat, and the hearing officer conducts a hearing under Sec. 300 within 30 days of filing. An owner may reclaim an impounded animal pending the hearing by posting a $1,000 cash bond (Sec. 290(I)). Once declared dangerous or vicious, the dog must be confined behind a lawful fence at least 5 feet high whenever not leashed on public property, kept indoors in a way it cannot exit on its own, and specially registered with an annual fee that doubles if paid late (Sec.

290(J)-(K)). The hearing officer's decision is final with no appeal, though an owner who complies for two years may petition for relief from the conditions (Sec. 300(F), (L)).