Richmond, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 preempts all local breed-specific legislation; Richmond cannot ban any breed of dog. Instead, dangerous and vicious dog determinations are made under FAC §§31601-31683 based on the individual dog's behavior. A "potentially dangerous dog" is one that has, on two occasions within 36 months, engaged in aggressive behavior requiring defensive action, or killed/injured a domestic animal off the owner's property, or bitten a person without provocation causing minor injury. A "vicious dog" has either seriously injured or killed a person, or been designated potentially dangerous and continued aggressive behavior. The owner receives notice and a hearing before Contra Costa County Animal Services. Potentially dangerous dogs must be kept indoors or in a secured enclosure, leashed and muzzled in public, and owners must post warning signs and maintain liability insurance (typically $100,000+). Vicious dogs may be ordered euthanized or confined under strict conditions. Under CA Health & Safety Code §122331, cities may require mandatory spay/neuter for specific breeds, but cannot ban them.