Westminster, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

The City of Westminster regulates dangerous dogs by behavior, not by breed, which is consistent with California state law. California Food & Agricultural Code Sections 31641-31646 set up the framework for declaring a dog 'potentially dangerous' or 'vicious' after an incident, and Westminster Municipal Code Section 6.10.060 ties the city's rules to that state scheme. When the Westminster Police Department or its animal control unit determines a dog may be potentially dangerous or vicious, the owner is entitled to a hearing before a hearing officer, with a right to appeal an adverse determination to the local municipal court. A dog formally declared potentially dangerous or vicious must be kept indoors or in a securely fenced yard from which it cannot escape, may be off the owner's premises only when restrained by a substantial leash not exceeding six feet under the control of a responsible adult, and the owner must post a 'BEWARE OF DOG' notice with letters at least two inches high. The owner must also carry homeowners or general liability insurance covering injury or damage caused by the dog of at least two hundred thousand dollars, with proof provided annually or on demand. California's Food & Agricultural Code Section 31683 expressly allows local breed-specific spay/neuter ordinances but bars breed-specific bans, so Westminster's conduct-based approach is the controlling local rule.