Westminster, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Regulation basis
- Behavior, not breed
- Hearing timeline
- 5-10 working days after notice
- Leash limit off-property
- 6 feet, adult control required
- Required insurance
- $200,000 minimum liability coverage
- Ownership ban for vicious dog
- Up to 3 years
- Appeal deadline
- 5 days to municipal court
Summary
Westminster does not regulate dogs by breed; instead Chapter 6.10 lets police declare any dog "potentially dangerous" or "vicious" based on its conduct. A vicious-dog finding can force confinement, mandatory $200,000 insurance, or a ban on owning dogs for up to three years.
"Potentially dangerous dog" means any of the following: 1. Any dog which, when unprovoked, on two separate occasions within the prior thirty-six month period, engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury when the person or the dog are on or off the property of the owner or keeper of the dog. 2. Any dog which, when unprovoked, bites a person causing a less severe injury as defined in subsection C herein... "Vicious dog" means any of the following: 1. Any dog which, when unprovoked, in an aggressive manner, inflicts severe injury on or kills a human being.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4982734; v10 updated 2026-06-10).
Full Breakdown
020). A "vicious dog" is one that unprovoked inflicts severe injury or death on a person, or a previously listed potentially dangerous dog that repeats the behavior. 040). 060(B)). 080(D)). 040. 030).
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Chapter 6.10, including failing to maintain required confinement, insurance, or signage once a dog is designated potentially dangerous or vicious, may be charged as an infraction or misdemeanor under Section 6.10.070. Failing to surrender a dog on police demand under Section 6.10.060(G) is specifically a misdemeanor, and unpaid impound costs and fines must be settled before the dog is released, with abandonment findings possible after 30 days of nonpayment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Westminster ban specific dog breeds?
What must a Westminster owner do once their dog is declared potentially dangerous?
Can Westminster ban someone from owning dogs after a vicious dog finding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westminster
How Westminster compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Westminster to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle breed restrictions.