El Monte Breed Restrictions Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Few RestrictionsThe Short Version
El Monte does not impose breed-specific restrictions on dog ownership. California state law (Food and Agriculture Code Section 31683) preempts cities and counties from enacting breed-specific legislation that bans or restricts dogs based solely on breed. This means El Monte cannot prohibit residents from owning pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, or any other breed. Instead, El Monte enforces breed-neutral dangerous dog and vicious dog provisions that focus on individual animal behavior rather than breed classification.
Full Breakdown
El Monte follows California's statewide preemption against breed-specific legislation. Food and Agriculture Code Section 31683, enacted in 1989 and strengthened through subsequent amendments, expressly prohibits any California city or county from adopting an ordinance or regulation that declares a dog dangerous or vicious, or that bans or restricts a specific breed of dog. This means El Monte has no authority to ban pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, or any other breed, and no such breed-specific regulations exist in the El Monte Municipal Code.
Instead of breed-based restrictions, El Monte relies on behavior-based dangerous dog provisions consistent with state law (FAC Sections 31601-31683). A dog of any breed may be declared potentially dangerous if it has, on two separate occasions within a 36-month period, engaged in behavior that required a person to take defensive action, or has bitten a person without provocation. A dog may be declared vicious if it has aggressively attacked or bitten a person without provocation, or if it was previously declared potentially dangerous and the owner failed to comply with conditions imposed. These declarations are made through administrative hearings conducted by the city or through the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control.
El Monte contracts with the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control for animal services. All dogs in the city must be licensed annually, vaccinated against rabies, and kept under the owner's control at all times. Owners of dogs declared dangerous or vicious must comply with strict requirements including secure enclosure with escape-proof fencing, liability insurance of at least $100,000, spay/neuter requirements, and muzzling when the dog is in public.
What Happens If You Violate This?
While there are no breed-specific violations in El Monte, owners of dogs that exhibit dangerous behavior face significant consequences. A dangerous dog declaration requires compliance with enclosure, insurance, and handling conditions. Failure to comply can result in fines and potential seizure of the animal. Owners of vicious dogs who fail to meet mandatory requirements may face misdemeanor charges, fines up to $1,000, and the dog may be subject to humane destruction by court order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls banned in El Monte?
What happens if my dog bites someone in El Monte?
Do I need to register my dog in El Monte?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in El Monte
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