Lancaster, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Pit Bulls and Rottweilers ("restricted dogs")
- First violation
- Infraction, up to $250 fine
- Second violation
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000/6 months jail
- Puppy exception
- Dogs under 4 months exempt
- License fee
- Set by LA County Code Sec. 10.90.010
- Breeding age limit
- Restricted dogs must be 2+ years old
Summary
Lancaster requires every pit bull and Rottweiler kept in the city, classified as a "restricted dog," to be spayed or neutered under Municipal Code Section 6.08.020, unless the owner proves a narrow exception such as age, a vet-certified health risk, or a paid unaltered-dog license. Violations start as a $250 infraction and can escalate to a misdemeanor.
A.The following breeds of dogs are "restricted dogs," and are subject to the mandatory spay, neutering, and unaltered dog license requirements of this chapter:1.Pit Bulls, as defined in Section 6.08.010; and2.Rottweilers, as defined in Section 6.08.010.B.No person may own, keep, or harbor a restricted dog in violation of this section. An owner or custodian of an unaltered restricted dog must have the dog spayed or neutered or submit written proof to the department that one of the following exceptions applies:1.The restricted dog is less than four months of age;2.The restricted dog cannot be spayed or neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death, which has been confirmed in writing by a licensed veterinarian...3.The owner or custodian has obtained a license for an unaltered restricted dog pursuant to Section 6.08.030;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 10 - 2025).
Full Breakdown
010 defines a "restricted dog" by conformity to AKC, UKC, or ADBA breed standards for the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or Rottweiler. 030, the breed determination is under appeal, or the owner has had the dog fewer than thirty days. Breed determinations can be appealed in writing within ten days, with a hearing held within thirty days. 010, a department inspection of where the dog is kept, and proof the dog is a trained hunting, law-enforcement, or service dog, or meets breed-registry and health-screening standards (OFA/PennHIP hip certification, OFA heart certification, and a passing temperament test).
040 for noncompliance, a verified neglect complaint, a prior Title 6 citation, a dangerous-dog finding, or a female dog whelping more than one litter a year. 060 bars breeding a restricted dog under two years old and requires reporting litters to the department within thirty days. Impounded unaltered restricted dogs are released only after the dog is spayed or neutered or the owner signs a sworn statement committing to do so within ten days.
Violations & Fines
A first violation is an infraction with a fine up to $250; failing to fix the underlying problem within 30 days makes it a second violation. A second violation within a year is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both, and each further violation within that year is an additional misdemeanor under Section 6.08.070. Impoundment costs become a lien on the dog, which is deemed abandoned if unpaid within 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dog breeds must be spayed or neutered in Lancaster?
Can I keep an unaltered pit bull or Rottweiler in Lancaster?
What happens if I don't comply with the spay/neuter law?
Can Lancaster take my dog for not complying?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lancaster
California rules heatmap·Compare Lancaster to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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