Sonora Breed Restrictions Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683, enacted in 2023 and codifying earlier case law and policy, expressly preempts any city or county ordinance that would declare a dog dangerous or vicious based solely on breed. This means the City of Sonora cannot maintain a list of "banned breeds" or impose special ownership requirements (muzzling, insurance, enclosure) exclusively because of a dog's breed or perceived breed.

Sonora relies on Tuolumne County Animal Control for enforcement of dangerous and vicious dog laws. Under Tuolumne County's ordinance — consistent with state law — a dog may be declared dangerous if it has bitten or attacked a person or other animal unprovoked, or if its behavior creates a reasonable apprehension of harm. This designation is based on the specific animal's behavior history and temperament, not on breed.

Owners of any breed are subject to standard leash, licensing, and rabies vaccination requirements equally. Dog owners whose animals have been involved in biting incidents or aggressive behavior should be aware that individual animal danger assessments may result in conditions such as enclosure requirements, muzzling in public, or — in severe cases — euthanasia orders through a due process hearing.