A. 
It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any wild animal within the city.
B. 
This section shall not prohibit the keeping of:
1. 
Wild animals in a bona fide zoo;
2. 
Wild animals in a bona fide, licensed veterinary hospital for treatment;
3. 
Any hamster, guinea pig, white rat and/or mouse, turtle, salamander, newt, chameleon or kangaroo rat, any non-venomous reptile (not exceeding six feet in length), any non-venomous toad, lizard or spider;
4. 
Any animal for which a permit has been obtained as provided in this chapter. The city shall charge a permit fee as specified by resolution adopted by the city council.
(Prior code § 4619; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
A. 
It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any domestic animal, fowl, bees, or livestock in or upon any public or private property in the city.
B. 
This section shall not prohibit the keeping of:
1. 
Dogs, cats, parrots, canaries, parakeets, or other household birds or household pets, except as to conditions adversely affecting the public; provided, that no person or household shall possess in the city more than three dogs or three cats at any one time or an aggregate of six, with the exception that should a female dog or cat have a litter of pups or kittens, then the owner of such female animal may keep the litter through the weaning stage, but not any longer than four months.
2. 
Rabbits, turkeys, geese, ducks, chickens, pigeons, or other domestic fowl, except as to conditions adversely affecting the public; provided, that no person or household shall possess in the city more than six rabbits or six chickens, or more than six fowl at any one time, except newborn under eight weeks of age. Additionally, not more than six chickens may be maintained; provided they are kept more than fifty feet from any dwelling other than that of the owner of the chickens.
3. 
Horses may be kept on lots exceeding one acre in size; provided, that no more than six horses per acre are maintained.
4. 
Any animal for which a permit has been obtained as provided in this chapter.
(Prior code § 4619.1; Ord. 1906 § 1, 1980; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
In addition to obtaining a business license, all pet shops in the city shall apply to animal control for a pet shop permit. No owner of a pet shop shall operate a pet shop unless and until a permit has been issued. A permit fee shall be charged to every pet shop owner to be paid in amount as specified by resolution adopted by the city council.
Because of the need to protect animals in pet shops from unhealthy conditions and practices, animal control shall have the right to inspect pet shops at reasonable times, as a condition to the issuance of a pet shop permit/license.
(Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
In addition to obtaining a business license, all animal grooming businesses in the city shall apply to animal control for a permit. No owner of an animal grooming business shall operate an animal grooming business unless and until a permit has been issued. A permit fee shall be charged to every pet shop owner to be paid in an amount as specified by resolution adopted by the city council.
Because of the need to protect animals at animal grooming businesses from unhealthy conditions and practices, animal control shall have the right to inspect animal grooming businesses at reasonable times, as a condition to the issuance of an animal grooming permit/license.
(Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
Consistent with Section 6.12.020(B) it is unlawful for any person to keep, possess or harbor more than six animals over the age of four months on any premises, except on a business establishment premises on which a licensed business is operated, providing for the keeping of animals.
(Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
Any person desiring to keep or maintain any animal prohibited, shall apply to animal control for a permit. No person shall keep or maintain any such animal unless and until a permit has been issued. The applicant will be informed in writing of the action of animal control in either granting or denying the permit, and if the applicant has been denied, the notice shall advise the applicant of his or her right to appeal to a hearing officer. Service of the notice may be made by personal service or by registered mail. If service is made by mail, it shall be deemed complete upon deposit in the United States mail directed to the applicant at his latest address shown on the application.
(Prior code § 4621; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
A filing fee shall be charged for each application, as specified by resolution adopted by the city council.
(Prior code § 4621.1; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
After investigation, animal control shall consider the following guidelines in approving any application:
A. 
Domestic Fowl. Animal control shall issue a permit for domestic fowl when the following conditions are met:
1. 
Antwerp Messenger, or homing pigeons, bearing upon a leg a band or ring with the name or initials of the owner or an identification or registration number stamped thereon, may be permitted to fly for necessary exercise and training if under restraint and control of its owner.
2. 
The combined number of domestic fowl shall not exceed six, excluding young under eight weeks of age.
3. 
Such uses shall be maintained for noncommercial purposes only.
4. 
Such animals, by any sound or cry, shall not disturb the peace and comfort of the inhabitants of the neighborhood, or interfere with any person in the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life or property; nor shall any animal be maintained in such a manner as to cause the breeding of flies or the creation of obnoxious odors, or in any manner which becomes or is a nuisance or health hazard.
5. 
Any loft, cage, coop, hutch, pen or other structure used for housing domestic fowl shall be maintained or kept within fifty feet of any dwellings other than that of the owner. No permit shall be issued after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter to any person unless domestic fowl are to be maintained or kept more than fifty feet from any dwelling other than that of the owner of the fowl.
B. 
Hogs, Goats, Sheep, Cattle, and Other Livestock. Animal control shall not issue a permit for such animals unless it finds that the keeping of such animals:
1. 
Will not be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood; and
2. 
Is a recognized educational project of an animal husbandry organization;
3. 
A permit under this subsection shall not require a permit fee.
C. 
Bees and Beehives. Animal control shall not issue a permit unless it finds that the keeping of bees:
1. 
Will not be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood; and
2. 
Will be housed not less than two hundred feet from any dwelling unit other than that of the bee owner.
D. 
Wild Animals. Animal control shall issue a permit only if it finds:
1. 
That the public health, safety and welfare will not be adversely affected; and
2. 
That adequate provision will be made to restrain and control the animal; and
3. 
That adequate provision for caging and sanitation will be made.
4. 
Any animal for which a permit has been obtained as provided in this chapter. The city will charge a permit fee as specified by resolution adopted by the city council.
(Prior code § 4621.2; Ord. 1872 §§ 2, 3, 1979; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
A. 
Any person dissatisfied with the decision of animal control may, within ten days after receipt of the notice, request, in writing, a review by a hearing officer. The appeal must be filed with the city clerk and include a statement addressed to the hearing officer setting forth the facts and circumstances regarding the action or failure to act on the part of animal control. The city clerk shall notify the person in writing by registered mail of the time and place set for hearing his or her appeal.
B. 
The right to appeal to the hearing officer under this chapter shall terminate upon the expiration of ten days following the giving of notice to the applicant advising him or her of the action by animal control.
C. 
The hearing officer shall hold a hearing and determine the merits of the appeal, and may sustain, overrule or modify the action of animal control. The hearing officer shall preside at the hearing and summon witnesses, administer oaths, hear testimony, and determine whether the denial of the permit shall stand. The hearing officer shall issue written findings and a decision, concerning the permit within fifteen working days after the hearing is concluded. The decision of the hearing officer shall be final.
D. 
If the applicant does not respond to or oppose the decision/denial of animal control, then the decision of animal control shall prevail.
E. 
Should a person be denied a permit on the basis that one or more of the requirements of this title have not been met, said person may reapply, after one year, for a permit when such conditions have been corrected.
(Prior code § 4621.3; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
A. 
No person owning or having charge, care, custody, or control of any dog shall cause or permit, either willfully or through failure to exercise due care or control, any such dog to be upon any public property unless such dog be restrained by a substantial chain, or leash not exceeding six feet in length, and is under the charge of a person competent to exercise care, custody, and control over such dog, unless the owner or operator of such public property grants written permission for such dog to be on such property without such chain or leash.
B. 
No owner or custodian of any animal except a dog or cat, shall cause, allow or permit said animal to be upon any public street, alley, or public place within the city unless such animal is securely tied and kept under the control of the person in charge thereof.
(Prior code § 4622; Ord. 2170 § 3, 1992; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
Any dog or animal allowed or permitted to run at large or be upon the public streets, alleys or on any public place in the city, not securely tied and under the control of the persons in charge of same, and any dog or animal being upon the private property of any person without the consent of and to the annoyance of such person is declared to be a nuisance.
(Prior code § 4624; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
A. 
Any dog or animal found to be running at large upon any public street, alley or public place in the city, or on private property without the consent of and to the annoyance of the owner of said private property, contrary to the provisions of this chapter, may be impounded as provided in this chapter.
B. 
If the owner of any such animal or dog can be ascertained, such owner shall be notified immediately, in writing, that such dog or animal has been impounded.
(Prior code § 4625; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
In the event that the owner of any dog or animal found running at large on the public streets, alleys or public places in the city, or upon the private property of any person without the consent of and to the annoyance of such person, cannot be ascertained after due diligence, and such dog or animal cannot be seized by ordinary means for the purpose of impounding, then such dog or animal may be summarily destroyed by the animal control officer or a police officer.
(Prior code § 4626; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
No person shall sell, barter or display for the purpose of selling, bartering or giving any live animal to any person on any public street or other public place within the city other than in a fixed place of business wherein such animals are sold. This section shall apply to the sale of all animals not prohibited by Section 599 of the Penal Code, or other provisions of any state law prohibiting said sale.
(Prior code § 4627; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
A. 
It is declared to be a nuisance and it is unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or permit on any lot or parcel of land any crowing fowl or any animal which by any sound or cry shall disturb the peace and comfort of any person in the neighborhood.
B. 
Upon the issuance of a citation or criminal complaint for violation of this section, the animal control officer may, at the same time as the citation or complaint is issued, or at any time subsequent thereto, temporarily abate the nuisance by impounding the animal at the animal shelter. The impoundment shall be at the owner's expense and classified as a "police hold" until such time as a final determination is made of the pending municipal court citation or criminal complaint. Release of the animal at any time prior to the court disposition may be considered by the animal control division upon a proper showing of cause by the owner of the animal, transmitted to the division in writing stating the reasons for considering release.
(Prior code § 4628; Ord. 1906 § 1, 1980; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
No person shall keep or maintain any live animal unless provision is made by such person for the proper furnishing of water to such animal and for the proper feeding of such animal.
(Prior code § 4629; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
No person shall keep or maintain any live animal in a cage, coop, hutch, pen, yard or space which is less than twice as large in floor area and height as the total size of all live animals which may be kept therein, and which is not sufficient in height as to permit each animal therein to stand in a natural, erect position.
(Prior code § 4630; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
A. 
Animals captured within any privately or city-owned humane animal trap shall be transported by the person owning or possessing such trap to the animal shelter within twenty-four hours. Any animal captured shall receive proper care and maintenance while in capture.
B. 
It is unlawful for a person, having placed a lawful trap in the city, to fail to inspect and empty it at least once during every twenty-four-hour period.
C. 
Humane traps are available to rent by the animal control division. Trap rental fees are as specified by resolution adopted by the city council.
D. 
Any person found in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
Every person keeping any animal shall at all times keep cages, coops, pens, yards, hutches, spaces, pasture or other enclosures wherein such animal is kept in a clean and sanitary condition, and shall remove all excreta and manure therefrom at least daily, and as often as is necessary so as not to become a nuisance to any person in the neighborhood.
(Prior code § 4632; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
A. 
No person shall kill or maim any animal which is known to have bitten any person or animal unless authorization to do so has been obtained from the animal control officer.
B. 
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the killing of any animal, where such destruction is necessary for the protection of life or limb or for the purpose of preventing immediate injury to any person or animal, in which event the animal control officer shall be notified immediately thereafter. The carcass of such animal shall not be disposed of except by direction or authorization of the health officer.
C. 
The purpose of this section is to enable the animal control officer to observe all animals which have bitten any person or animal, and to allow the county health officer to conduct laboratory tests, when necessary, in order to determine whether said animals were infected by rabies or other disease.
(Prior code § 4633; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
A. 
The animal control officer shall immediately quarantine any animal infected with or believed to be infected with rabies.
B. 
If, upon examination, the animal control officer shall determine that any animal is afflicted with rabies, he may cause such animal to be immediately destroyed; provided, however, that when any animal shall be known to have bitten, scratched or otherwise is believed to have exposed any person or animal to rabies, such animal shall be quarantined for such period of time as may be prescribed by state law.
C. 
The animal control officer shall promptly notify the county health officer of the location and description of the animal having or suspected of having rabies, and shall supply the city health officer with the names and addresses of the persons who have been bitten, scratched or had other contact with said animal.
D. 
Any animal having been bitten or believed to have been bitten by an animal which is believed to be rabid shall be quarantined by the animal control officer for three months. If the owner of such quarantined animal is not known, such animal shall be destroyed after a fourteen-day quarantine period has been observed. In the event a domestic animal is bitten by a wild animal, the bitten domestic animal will be quarantined for thirty days or six months, dependent on the vaccine status of the domestic animal.
E. 
All quarantine shall be either on the premises of the owner of such animal, or a city-contracted animal shelter, a commercial kennel, veterinary kennel or hospital. The owner of any animal placed in quarantine by said owner or the animal control officer shall be liable for all costs incurred in the quarantine of such animal.
F. 
The animal control officer is empowered to enter upon any private property where any animal is kept, which animal is alleged to have bitten any person, to inspect or to seize and impound such animal for a period prescribed by state law or by the health officer, and may, in lieu of impounding said animal, require the owner thereof, by a notice, in writing, personally served upon such owner, to quarantine said animal for such period.
G. 
Any person who, after notice, violates, or who, upon the demand of any animal control officer, refuses or neglects to conform to, any rule, order, or regulation prescribed by animal control, respecting quarantine is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Prior code § 4634; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
No owner of any dog or animal in quarantine shall permit such dog or animal to be at large. No owner or person, either by him or herself or through his or her agent, shall remove any animal from quarantine, nor shall he or she remove any animal which has been quarantined from the pound, or from any veterinary hospital, or from any other place in which said animal has been quarantined, without the consent of the animal control officer and the health officer.
(Prior code § 4636; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
At the expiration of seventy-two hours from the time an animal is impounded, unless it has been redeemed as heretofore provided, it may be humanely destroyed by the poundmaster; provided, however, that the poundmaster is authorized to sell any unredeemed animal upon the purchaser paying all transportation and accrued pound fees, together with a license for the current license year if such license is required; provided, further, that upon such sale a license shall not be required if the animal is immediately removed from the city.
(Prior code § 4638; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
It is unlawful for any person to kill or slaughter any animal, fowl or other living creatures within the city in order that it may be sold or used for food, except:
A. 
In a commercial slaughtering building; or
B. 
As a part of a recognized educational project of an animal husbandry organization; or
C. 
In an enclosed building or in an enclosed area, not visible by the public outside the enclosed area; and
D. 
The animals to be slaughtered shall be limited to:
1. 
Domestic rabbits,
2. 
Domestic fowl, which is defined to be chickens, geese, turkeys, pheasants, ducks and pigeons, and
3. 
Wild and exotic fowl as permitted by the Fish and Game Code of California.
(Ord. 2122 § 1, 1989; Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)
The owner of any animal which dies shall dispose of the carcass of such animal in a sanitary manner as prescribed by the chief of police or designee within twenty-four hours after said owner has knowledge of the animal's death. The animal control officer shall be responsible for the disposal of all dead animals whose ownership cannot be established. The animal control officer may on the request of owner or possessor of a dead animal which was kept or maintained in the city immediately prior to its death, cause the dead animal to be buried or destroyed, for which service the animal control officer shall charge and collect a fee as specified by resolution adopted by the city council.
(Ord. 2553 § 1, 2018)