Tustin, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Nothing in Tustin Municipal Code Chapter 2 (Animals and Fowl) imposes a breed-specific restriction, and the City adopts the Codified Ordinances of the County of Orange for animal control by reference (TCC Sec. 4201). Dangerous and vicious animal enforcement therefore runs through the adopted county code and is based on an animal's behavior rather than its breed. This is consistent with California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683, which allows local dangerous- or vicious-dog programs but prohibits a local rule that is "specific as to breed" - meaning Tustin cannot ban or single out pit bulls, Rottweilers or any other breed for ownership purposes. Owners of any dog remain responsible for keeping it restrained on public property by a leash no longer than six feet (OC Sec. 4-1-45, adopted) and for ensuring the animal does not become a nuisance or threat under TCC Sec. 4224. A dog that bites or behaves dangerously can be declared dangerous or vicious and made subject to confinement, control or removal conditions through OC Animal Care's process regardless of breed. Note that one breed-neutral exception exists in California law: mandatory spay/neuter and breeding rules may apply to a specific breed only if a dog has been individually adjudicated dangerous. Verify any dangerous-dog determination directly with OC Animal Care.