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

Sierra County does not ban any breed, but its Animal Control Ordinance singles out one category for a confinement rule. Section 8.08.140(M) makes it unlawful to 'own or possess any pit bull or fighting dog which is not confined within an adequate fenced area or other physical enclosure to prevent egress by such animal at all times such animal is not in the direct presence and control of the owner.' This is a containment requirement rather than a possession ban. Beyond that, the County's dog rules are conduct-based: running at large (8.08.140(A)), allowing a known dangerous or vicious dog to run at large (8.08.140(L)), and the vicious-or-dangerous-animal procedures in Section 8.08.170, which let the Chief of Animal Control order secure confinement or seek a hearing to determine whether an animal should be destroyed, all without reference to breed. Statewide, California Food & Agricultural Code Section 31683 provides that no local program regulating dogs may be breed-specific, except for spay/neuter programs authorized under Health & Safety Code Section 122331. The County's pit bull containment rule operates as a confinement standard, while dangerous-dog determinations follow behavior-based procedures. A first infraction under the chapter is $20, rising to up to $100 for a repeat (8.08.400).