Downey Breed Restrictions Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Downey does not have breed-specific legislation (BSL) and does not ban or restrict ownership of any dog breed. California's approach to dangerous dogs is behavior-based rather than breed-based. While some California municipalities have enacted mandatory spay/neuter requirements for specific breeds (such as pit bulls), Downey has not adopted any such ordinance. California law does not preempt all forms of BSL, but courts have generally found that blanket breed bans conflict with due process principles, and Downey has chosen not to pursue them.

Under Downey Municipal Code Chapter 4, Article IV, any dog may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious based on its individual history of behavior. A dog may be declared potentially dangerous if it has: bitten a person or domestic animal without provocation while off the owner's property; chased or approached a person in a menacing manner off the owner's property; or repeatedly disturbed neighbors through threatening behavior. A dog may be declared vicious if it has seriously injured or killed a person, or if it has been previously declared potentially dangerous and the owner failed to comply with the resulting requirements.

Owners of dogs declared potentially dangerous must comply with additional requirements including maintaining the dog in a secure enclosure, keeping the dog on a leash when off the property, notifying SEAACA if the dog escapes, and in some cases obtaining liability insurance. Dog owners in Downey are strictly liable for bites under California Civil Code Section 3342, regardless of whether the dog had previously shown aggression. Animal control services are provided by the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA).