Twain Harte, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Unincorporated Tuolumne County has no breed-specific legislation—no breed of dog is banned or singled out by the county code. The County Animal Control Ordinance (Ch. 6.04, Ord. 3311, 2017) instead regulates 'dangerous' and 'vicious' animals based on the individual animal's behavior, not its breed. A 'vicious behavior' includes physically attacking, mauling, or injuring a person by biting, or attacking and injuring another lawfully maintained animal; 'dangerous behavior' includes posing a threat to public safety or attacking a person or animal in a way requiring defensive action. When Animal Control verifies a bite or attack, it can declare the animal dangerous or vicious, require it to be kept in a secure enclosure, muzzled and leashed when outside, licensed yearly with special identification, and the owner must report any change of ownership, location, or the animal's death. The county adopted its own dangerous-dog program as authorized by California Food and Agricultural Code section 31683, incorporating only the state provisions it expressly identifies. This approach mirrors California Food and Agricultural Code section 31683, which prohibits cities and counties from enacting dog regulations that are specific to any breed. There is no pit-bull or other breed restriction in Tuolumne County.