Chapter 8.03
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sections:
8.03.020 Abandonment unlawful.
8.03.030 Dead animal disposal.
8.03.040 Epidemic rules enforcement.
8.03.050 Field service charges.
8.03.060 Authority to set fees.
8.03.005 Exemptions.
A. The licensing regulations in this title are not applicable to the following:
1. Owners who use animals for diagnostic purposes or research, the use having been approved either by the California State Board of Public Health pursuant to Section 1666 of the Health and Safety Code or by the United States Department of Agriculture;
2. Owners who use animals for teaching purposes in accredited educational institutions;
3. Owners of animals kept as all or part of the stock of: (a) nonprofit zoological gardens open to the public; (b) circuses; or (c) animal exhibits when such enterprises are operated under business licenses granted by the city;
4. Unowned cats;
5. Farm cats, as defined in RCMC 8.01.017, and any person or organization that is providing care for feral or farm cats and is making a reasonable effort to trap and sterilize the animals.
B. The licensing, sales and advertising regulations of this title do not apply to the following:
1. Government agencies or animal rescue organizations that have demonstrated to the animal services manager that they have implemented an ongoing sterilization program, as well as an adoption program; a sufficient demonstration may include written declaration to the animal services manager, documentary evidence and/or site visitation and inspection of agency/organization facilities;
2. Humane societies or societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals if such societies are incorporated under the provisions of the California Corporations Code Section 10400 and the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law in Part 2 of the California Corporations Code, beginning at Section 5110;
3. Veterinary facilities. [Ord. 8-2009 § 2].
8.03.010 Animal restraint.
A. No owner of any animal, wild or domestic, except the domestic cat, shall permit or suffer the animal to:
1. Be off a leash or be restrained by a leash which is more than eight feet in length. An animal need not be on a leash while it is on the premises of its owner nor while on other private property with consent of the owner. This subsection shall apply to all areas of the city unless clearly designated as areas where leashes are not required.
2. Enter upon private property without consent of the private property’s owner.
3. Habitually make loud noises. “Habitually make loud noises” means any conduct that disrupts the peace so as to constitute a public nuisance, including, but not limited to, continuous and incessant barking, howling, crying, yelping, scratching, or whining. “Continuous and incessant” means that the conduct continues for at least 10 minutes within a 30-minute period with no more than 30 seconds between sounds, and is not caused by provocation. Nothing contained herein shall apply to reasonable animal noises emanating from legally operated veterinary hospitals, humane societies, animal shelters, farms, or agricultural operations.
4. Act in such other manner so as to constitute a public nuisance.
B. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of animals on school property for teaching, use for the blind, or other school purposes when permitted by school officials, or require a person to keep any animal in his possession on a leash if, at the time, the animal is restrained in a vehicle or cage. [Ord. 3-2023 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 20-2014 § 2; Ord. 4-2007 § 2].
8.03.020 Abandonment unlawful.
It is unlawful for any person to abandon any animal whether dead or alive. [Ord. 4-2007 § 2].
8.03.030 Dead animal disposal.
The owner of a dead animal shall, within a reasonable time, provide for the disposal in a manner approved by the animal services officer or the disposition of the carcass in a safe and sanitary manner. The owner may request the animal services officer to dispose of the animal at a fee fixed by resolution of the city council. The animal services officer shall be responsible for disposal of all dead animals whose ownership cannot be established. [Ord. 4-2007 § 2].
8.03.040 Epidemic rules enforcement.
It shall be the duty of the animal services officer to comply with all directives of the health officer in the enforcement of the rules and regulations. The rules and regulations, when adopted, shall become and thereafter be a part of this chapter. [Ord. 4-2007 § 2].
8.03.050 Field service charges.
Animal services will impose a fee, as set by resolution of the city council, for all field services. [Ord. 4-2007 § 2].
8.03.060 Authority to set fees.
Unless a fee amount is specifically provided within this title, the city council shall from time to time establish fees for services provided under this title by resolution. [Ord. 8-2009 § 3; Ord. 4-2007 § 2].