Reedley, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Reedley Municipal Code Chapter 5-3 (Animal Control) regulates dogs through behavior-based standards rather than breed-specific bans. California Food and Agriculture Code Section 31683 explicitly prohibits any California city or county from enacting breed-specific regulations, stating that no governmental agency shall adopt or enforce any law, ordinance, or policy that deems a dog potentially dangerous or vicious based solely on its breed. Reedley's code defines a vicious animal as one that, when unprovoked, has seriously bitten, inflicted severe injury on, or killed a human being; on two separate occasions within the prior 36-month period has bitten a person causing less than severe injury; has attacked and killed a domestic animal; or on two occasions within 36 months has seriously bitten or injured a domestic animal. Dogs classified as vicious face specific requirements including secure enclosure, posted warning signs, and muzzling when off the property. Hearings for vicious animal classification are conducted before a hearing officer appointed by the city manager, with the animal control poundmaster excluded from serving as hearing officer to ensure fairness. The maximum number of dogs allowed per household is 5 over the age of 4 months, or a combined total of 6 dogs and cats, unless a kennel permit is obtained under RMC 5-3-9.