Redlands updates rules for dangerous and vicious dogs

REDLANDS, Calif. – Redlands has rewritten its rules for dangerous dogs, expanding what counts as an attack, outlining stricter owner requirements and creating a new hearing process for enforcement.

The City Council approved the changes unanimously Dec. 16 through Ordinance No. 2988.

Why it matters: City officials said the old dangerous dog ordinance was outdated and hard to enforce, with vague definitions and inconsistent procedures. The update is intended to make enforcement clearer and more consistent, and bring Redlands in line with current animal control standards and legal practices.

Details: Under the updated ordinance, the city refined the definitions of “potentially dangerous” and “vicious” dogs to provide clearer guidance for enforcement. Previously, the only definition found in Chapter 6.05 of the Redlands Municipal Code was as follows:

"A dog may be classified as potentially dangerous if it has engaged in unprovoked behavior that poses a risk to people or animals on two separate occasions within a 36-month period. A dog is classified as vicious if it has inflicted severe injury or killed a person without provocation, or if it has been previously declared potentially dangerous and continues the harmful behavior."

The updated definitions expand qualifying incidents to include attacks occurring in common areas of multi-family residential complexes and injuries to domestic animals or livestock.

The ordinance also broadens the definition of “severe injury” to include wounds requiring medical treatment, such as fractures, muscle tears, or disfiguring lacerations. 

A more structured process was also established for when a dog is designated as potentially dangerous or vicious. Instead of hearings before the Animal Control Board, cases will now be reviewed by a designated Administrative Hearing Officer.

When a dog is declared potentially dangerous or vicious, owners will now receive a written Notice and Order explaining the designation, the conditions imposed and their right to appeal. Owners must file an appeal within 10 calendar days of receiving the notice.

Here are some of the conditions outlined in the amended code that owners must follow: 

• Mandatory licensing, vaccination and microchipping
• Proof of at least $100,000 in liability insurance
• Completion of an obedience training course
• Secure confinement of the dog on the owner’s property. When off the premises, dogs must be leashed and muzzled.

Owners are also required to post visible warning signs on their property and notify the city if the dog is sold, transferred, or dies.

Enforcement: The ordinance clarifies that animal control and law enforcement officers have the authority to seize and impound dogs that pose an immediate threat to public safety. It also details when officers can enter private property. Owners are responsible for all impoundment and related fees before a dog is released.

Each violation of the ordinance is now defined as a public nuisance, allowing the city to issue administrative fines, seize dogs, or pursue other enforcement actions.

The updated regulations do not apply to licensed kennels, animal shelters, animal control facilities and veterinary practices, focusing enforcement on privately owned dogs.