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HomeFood and Agricultural CodeDiv. 14Ch. 9Art. 3§ 31644 Potentially Dangerous Dog Removal

§ 31644 Potentially Dangerous Dog Removal

Food and Agricultural Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 31644 Potentially Dangerous Dog Removal

Key Takeaways

  • •If a dog doesn't show dangerous behavior for 3 years, it's no longer considered dangerous.
  • •The owner can ask to remove the dog from the dangerous list earlier if they show the dog is safer now.
  • •The owner must prove to animal control that the dog is less risky, like by training it.

Example

A dog barks and lunges at people but doesn't bite. The owner gets the dog trained, and it stops acting aggressively.

If the dog doesn't act dangerously for 3 years, it's no longer on the dangerous list. The owner can ask to remove it sooner if they show the dog is trained and safer.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 31644 Potentially Dangerous Dog Removal

If there are no additional instances of the behavior described in Section 31602 within a 36-month period from the date of designation as a potentially dangerous dog, the dog shall be removed from the list of potentially dangerous dogs. The dog may, but is not required to be, removed from the list of potentially dangerous dogs prior to the expiration of the 36-month period if the owner or keeper of the dog demonstrates to the animal control department that changes in circumstances or measures taken by the owner or keeper, such as training of the dog, have mitigated the risk to the public safety. (Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 761, Sec. 1.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

potentially dangerous dog36-month periodmitigated the risktraining of the dog

Related Statutes

  • § 31642 Dangerous Dog Confinement Rules
  • § 31643 Dangerous Dog Relocation Notice
  • § 31602 Dangerous Dog Definition
  • § 31603 Vicious Dog Definition
  • § 31641 Dangerous Dog Licensing Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 31644.
View Official Source