Biggs Municipal Code Art. I Licensing

The city council hereby enacts regulations, establishes procedures for dog control, and provides for penalties. The city council hereby authorizes delegation of enforcement of this article to a city employee and/or organization to enter into an agreement with an individual or agency to enforce this article.

(Ord. 308 § 1, 1996)

All dogs kept or brought into the city of Biggs that are four months old or older shall be registered by the owner within 30 days of the entry of the dog into the city by its owner. Owners of dogs are in violation of this article if his or her dog is not properly licensed at all times.

(Ord. 308 § 3, 1996)

Licenses shall be obtained from the city clerk of the city of Biggs and shall run on an annual basis and thereafter shall be renewed each and every year upon expiration of the license. A fee for registration shall be charged for each dog not castrated, spayed or which is not otherwise sexually altered so that they cannot reproduce offspring. A different fee shall be charged for registration for each dog that has been castrated, spayed or sexually altered so that it cannot reproduce offspring. Upon initial registration a certificate from a licensed veterinarian is required by the clerk before registering an altered dog, attesting to the fact that the dog cannot reproduce offspring. No registration or fee shall be required for guide dogs for the blind, or dogs for the hearing impaired.

(Ord. 308 § 4, 1996)

A penalty shall be charged for each late registration or late renewal equal to double the established charge.

(Ord. 308 § 5, 1996)

The registration of the animals shall be at the office of the city clerk. Upon paying the requisite fee, the owner will be given a tag which must be fastened to the dog's collar. The clerk shall keep applications and registration documents on file.

(Ord. 308 § 6, 1996)

The city will enforce the leash ordinance (Article II of this chapter), and all dogs not confined to their owner's premises shall be on a leash as set forth therein. Dogs found at large in violation of the leash ordinance will be impounded in accordance with the terms of that ordinance.

(1) The city shall hold in isolation any dog that is rabid, suspected of being rabid or has bitten a person as per Sections 1900 through 1920 of the State of California Health and Safety Code (Rabies Control) and Sections 2606 through 2608.8 of Title 17 of the California Administrative Code.

(2) The owner must claim the dog within 72 hours after impoundment, after paying impounding, boarding and feeding fees, obtaining a license, and showing proof of a current rabies vaccination.

(3) If the owner of an impounded dog is known, the city will notify the owner of the impoundment and of the regulations for reclaiming the animal. If an animal is not claimed after 72 hours, it may be disposed of.

(Ord. 308 § 7, 1996)

The city shall dispose of dead dogs and may charge a fee for disposal.

(Ord. 308 § 8, 1996)

Every dog over four months old must have a canine anti-rabies vaccination. Such vaccination shall be by a licensed veterinarian and shall be at the intervals of time as required by law.

(Ord. 308 § 9, 1996)

The city clerk is charged with providing a rabies control program in conformance with the requirements of the state of California and the Butte County health department by providing vaccination clinics at strategic locations in the city or county not less often than annually. Dog owners can, at their option, have their dog or dogs vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian of their choice.

(Ord. 308 § 10, 1996)

Public clinics shall be operated under antiseptic conditions comparable to those used in the vaccination of human beings.

(Ord. 308 § 11, 1996)

All dogs under four months of age shall be confined to the premises of, or kept under physical restraint by, the owner or keeper. This article shall not be construed to prevent the sale or transportation of a puppy four months old or younger.

(Ord. 308 § 12, 1996)

No family or person, or group of persons, may own or control, or have in their possession, at any one street address within the city limits of the city of Biggs more than a total of three dogs. If a person owns or controls more than three dogs in a single location, this is deemed to be a kennel and a kennel license is required. A use permit must be obtained before a kennel license is issued. Approval of the use permit will include specific regulations, restrictions and conditions as deemed appropriate, including conforming to the state and county health department regulations and payment of license fees.

(Ord. 308 § 13, 1996)

It shall be unlawful to interfere with, oppose, or resist any authorized person who is enforcing or taking custody of dogs under this article. Authorized persons may go upon private property for the purpose of enforcing this article or to take custody of dogs. Authorized persons other than peace officers shall wear a badge and have identification upon their persons.

(Ord. 308 § 14, 1996)

The city council shall establish fees and charges for controlling dogs and other animals as set forth herein by resolution and shall be amended from time to time as determined by the city council.

(Ord. 308 § 15, 1996)

Violation of this article shall be deemed as an infraction and shall be punishable as such.

(Ord. 308 § 16, 1996)