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Sonora, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Breed Bans
None
Dog Limit
4 dogs or 6 dogs/cats combined (max 4 dogs)
Vicious Animals
Behavior-based under Ch. 6.04
State Law
No statewide BSL in California
Contact
Animal Control: 209-694-2730

Summary

Neither Sonora nor Tuolumne County impose breed-specific legislation. No dog breeds are banned. Individual dogs of any breed may be declared vicious or dangerous under Chapter 6.04 based on behavior, not breed.

31683. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a city or county from adopting or enforcing its own program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs that may incorporate all, part, or none of this chapter, or that may punish a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except as provided in Section 122331 of the Health and Safety Code, no program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed. (Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 668, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2006.)

Source: Tuolumne County Ordinance Code Ch. 6.04View official code

Full Breakdown

Tuolumne County Ordinance Code Chapter 6.04 addresses vicious and dangerous animals based on individual behavior rather than breed. A vicious animal is defined as any animal that attacks or bites without provocation, excluding dogs assisting law enforcement. California does not have statewide breed-specific legislation. The county limits dogs to four per parcel, or any combination of six dogs and cats with no more than four dogs.

Violations & Fines

Dogs declared vicious or dangerous may be subject to conditions, impoundment, or euthanasia depending on the severity of the incident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are any dog breeds banned in Sonora?
No. Neither Sonora nor Tuolumne County have breed-specific legislation. Dogs are evaluated based on individual behavior, not breed.
How many dogs can I have in Sonora?
The county limits dogs to four per parcel, or any combination of six dogs and cats with no more than four dogs.
What makes a dog vicious under Tuolumne County law?
A vicious animal is one that attacks or bites without provocation. The determination is behavior-based, not breed-based, under Chapter 6.04.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sonora

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsHeavy RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesFew RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingSome Restrictions

All Sonora rules

How Sonora compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Sonora to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview

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