Vista, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 lets a city adopt its own program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs, including one stricter than the state's, but adds a hard limit: no program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed, with a narrow exception only for what Health and Safety Code Section 122331 separately authorizes. 09, "Vicious Dog," shows that ban in action. 010 defines a vicious dog purely by conduct: it has bitten a person twice within 48 months, bitten once causing death or serious injury, shown a repeated propensity to attack within 48 months, or already been declared vicious by the Poundmaster, the Humane Society, or another jurisdiction; breed never appears as a factor.

030 requires certified-mail notice within three working days, and the owner may request a hearing in writing within five working days to contest the finding, with the hearing held within ten working days of that request. 060 lets the Poundmaster impose further conditions: a bond of up to $10,000, specific kennel construction and design standards, removal of the dog from the city, muzzling or restraint methods, permanent identification marking, and fees to recover compliance costs. 070 makes failing to comply unlawful and triggers impoundment, and continued possession of that dog by the same owner is then prohibited outright.