Manteca, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- Pit bull-type breeds only
- Exception
- Intact-breed permit available
- State basis
- SB 861 / Food & Ag. Code § 31683
- Second offense
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 + jail
Summary
Manteca requires pit bull breeds to be spayed or neutered unless the owner obtains an intact-breed permit, based on state authority under SB 861.
No person may own, keep, or harbor any dog within the city that the person in possession knew, or should have known, was a pit bull that has not been spayed or neutered unless:
A. The pit bull is under eight weeks of age.
B. The pit bull cannot be spayed or neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death due to a physical abnormality. A veterinarian must certify such a condition and determine the time frame after which the pit bull can be spayed/neutered. Within thirty days of the operative date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, or within thirty days of, taking possession or ownership of an unspayed or unneutered pit bull, the owner, guardian or keeper must submit such documentation to be verified by the department.
C. The pit bull has been present in the city for less than thirty days.
D. The owner, guardian or keeper has obtained, or has submitted an application for a breeding permit in accordance with Section 6.10.090 of this chapter.
E. Determination of breed is under appeal pursuant to Section 6.10.040 above.
F.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4829770; v11 updated 2026-04-21).
Full Breakdown
Manteca Municipal Code § 6.10.050, enacted under Chapter 6.10, bars anyone from owning, keeping, or harboring an unspayed or unneutered pit bull in the city unless an exception applies: the dog is under eight weeks old, cannot be altered for documented medical reasons, has been in the city fewer than thirty days, the owner has applied for a breeding permit under § 6.10.090, breed determination is under appeal, or the dog is a registered show dog with organization papers filed with the department. The chapter cites California SB 861 (Food & Agricultural Code § 31683, Health & Safety Code § 122331) as its state-law basis.
Violations & Fines
First violation: infraction fine under Chapter 1.10 plus impoundment until spay/neuter, a $60 vet-transport fee, or a signed affidavit to alter within two weeks (§ 6.10.060). Second violation: misdemeanor, up to 6 months jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the mandate apply to all dogs in Manteca?
Can I keep an intact pit bull for breeding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manteca
California rules heatmap·Compare Manteca to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Mandatory Spay/Neuter in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Joaquin County handle mandatory spay/neuter.