Current Laws and Regulations in Los Angeles County

In Los Angeles County, there are no specific laws dedicated to dog-on-dog violence, but the issue is addressed through broader regulations governing dangerous and vicious dogs. Under Title 10 of the County Code, animal control authorities can step in when a dog exhibits aggressive behavior. If a dog is deemed dangerous, authorities have the power to impose strict measures, including mandatory muzzling, confinement, or even euthanasia in the most extreme cases. These laws are intended to protect public safety, but they also indirectly address the tragic consequences of dog-on-dog violence.

California law also holds dog owners responsible when their pet attacks another dog, especially if the dog has a known history of aggression. While these laws often focus on human victims, they can and should apply when a dog’s life is at stake. The current legal framework, however, falls short by not providing clear and direct guidelines for dog-on-dog violence. This gap leaves too much room for ambiguity and inconsistent enforcement.

At Mookie’s Voice, we are dedicated to pushing for stronger, clearer laws that specifically address dog-on-dog violence. The current legal framework in Los Angeles County falls short, offering little protection or recourse for the innocent dogs who fall victim to these attacks. We believe it’s time for that to change.

Our legislative efforts are focused on two primary goals: raising awareness about the gaps in current laws and advocating for the implementation of new regulations that ensure accountability and justice. We are working to gather support for legislation that not only addresses the consequences of dog-on-dog violence but also promotes responsible pet ownership to prevent these tragedies from happening in the first place.

We will actively engage with local lawmakers, community leaders, and animal rights organizations to build a coalition for change. By sharing Mookie’s story and the stories of others who have suffered similar losses, we aim to highlight the urgent need for reform. We have already begun reaching out to legislators, submitting petitions, and rallying community support. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, our initial outreach—including a direct appeal to our local Congressman Mike Garcia—has gone unanswered. But we won’t stop fighting.

Our vision is to see laws that clearly define and address dog-on-dog violence, hold negligent owners accountable, and ensure that incidents like the one that took Mookie’s life are met with appropriate consequences. We believe that by working together, we can create safer communities for all dogs and prevent future tragedies.

If you’re passionate about protecting innocent dogs and want to see meaningful change, we invite you to join us in our legislative efforts.