Calexico Municipal Code Ch. 6.28 Cruelty to Animals

It is unlawful for any person to overdrive, overload, drive when overloaded, overwork, torture, torment, deprive of necessary sustenance, drink or shelter, cruelly beat, mutilate or cruelly kill any animal, or cause or procure any animal to be so overdriven, overloaded, driven when overloaded, overworked, tortured, tormented, deprived of necessary sustenance, drink or shelter, or to be cruelly beaten, mutilated or cruelly killed; or for any person having charge or custody of any animal, either as owner or otherwise, to subject any animal to needless suffering or inflict unnecessary cruelty upon the same, or in any manner abuse any animal, or fail to provide the same with proper food, drink, shelter or protection from the weather, or to cruelly drive, ride or otherwise use the same when unfit for labor.

(Prior code § 4321)

No animal shall be left unattended in a vehicle when the conditions in that vehicle would constitute a health hazard to the animal.

(Ord. 976 (part), 1998)

No animal may be induced or encouraged to perform through the use of chemical, mechanical, electrical, or manual devices in a manner which will cause or is likely to cause physical injury or suffering. Prohibited devices include, but are not limited to, electrical prods and electrical (shock) collars.

(Ord. 976 (part), 1998)

A. Animals found in cruel, abusive or neglectful situations as defined in this chapter or animals that have been abandoned may be promptly impounded if no immediate contact with a responsible person can be made; provided, however, that the animal control officer shall leave written notice saying the location of the animal and the reason for impoundment.

B. Animals so removed will be impounded and held by the animal control officer as otherwise provided in this code.

C. Animals impounded for reasons beyond the control of the owner, such as but not limited to house fire, death of the owner, or arrest of the owner, will be held for ten days during which time a reasonable effort will be made to contact the owner and/or their representative. After the tenth day of impoundment, the animals will become the property of the city of Calexico.

D. Animals awaiting disposition by the courts shall remain in custody of the animal control officer, unless such disposition is made, or placed in a foster home until legal arrangements have been completed.

E. Animals so removed may be transported to a licensed veterinarian for examination and/or treatment. If, in the opinion of said veterinarian, the animal must be destroyed, euthanasia will be performed immediately. Costs of treatment, euthanasia, and/or care shall be the responsibility of the owner/agent.

F. A person may reclaim an animal in the custody of the animal control officer upon providing the following:

1. Proof of ownership, and

2. Payment of redemption fee and any other ser-vice/medical fees, as approved the chief of police.

(Ord. 976 (part), 1998)

A. Whenever it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of or perform any duty imposed by this chapter or when there is reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any violation of the provisions of this chapter or state law, the animal control officer or health officer or police officer is authorized at all reasonable times to inspect the same for compliance with the provisions of this chapter or any state law; provided that:

1. If the property is occupied, the officer shall first present proper credentials to the occupant and request entry, explaining the reasons therefor; and

2. If the property is unoccupied, the officer shall make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having control of the property and request entry explaining the reasons therefor.

B. In the event the animal control officer, board of health or police officer has reasonable cause to believe that the keeping or maintaining of an animal is so hazardous, unsafe or dangerous as to require immediate inspection to safeguard the animal or the public health or safety, the officer shall first present property credentials and request entry, explaining the reasons therefor. If entry is refused or cannot be obtained because the owner or other person having charge or control of the property cannot be found after reasonable search, the officer shall have recourse to secure lawful entry and inspection of the property.

(Ord. 976 (part), 1998)

There is established the office of humane officer of the city. Such humane officer shall have the authority of police officer, to make arrests, or in any other necessary manner enforce the provisions of Section 6.28.010. It shall be the duty of such humane officer to enforce all the provisions of said section within the limits of the city.

(Prior code § 4311)

The term "humane officer" is amended wherever it is found in this code to read "animal control officer." In addition to the powers and duties otherwise designated by this code for "animal control officer," the "animal control officer" shall have all of the powers and duties of the "humane officer" described in this code.

(Ord. 976 (part), 1998)

It shall be the duty of the chief of police and all police officers to cooperate with the humane officer and to enforce all the provisions of Section 6.28.010.

(Prior code § 4312)