Chula Vista Municipal Code Ch. 6.12 Animals

GRAZING AND IMPOUNDMENT*

Sections:

• 6.12.010 Grazing regulations.

• 6.12.020 Shelter established – Maintenance.

• 6.12.030 Impoundment – Procedure generally – Sale of animals authorized when – Procedure.

• 6.12.040 Impoundment – Fees and charges.

• 6.12.041 Impoundment – Mandatory medical care.

• 6.12.042 Impound holding period for stray dogs and cats.

• 6.12.045 Disposition of unclaimed animals – Notice of owner. 6.12.050 Repealed.

• 6.12.060 Relinquishment of dogs and cats by owner – Fees. 6.12.061 Proof of ownership when relinquishing a dog/cat required.

***** For statutory provisions regarding dogcatchers, see Agric. Code § 31106; for provisions regarding the impoundment of dogs, see Agric. Code § 31101; for provisions regarding animals running at large, see Agric. Code § 17001, et seq.; for provisions regarding inhumane impounding, see Pen. Code § 597e.

It is unlawful for any person owning or having control of any of the animals mentioned in CVMC 6.04.020 to graze or pasture the same, or cause the same to be done, within the City, unless all such animals are securely staked or fastened so the same shall not injure shade or ornamental trees and cannot go upon or across the traveled portion of any street, alley, or public grounds within the City, or to so stake or fasten any such animal so that the same constitutes running at large of such animal in the City. (Ord. 3226 § 1, 2012; Ord. 1979 § 1, 1982; prior code § 4.2).

There is established a City shelter for impounding strays and dogs, and the same shall be maintained in the City in a place to be selected by the City Manager and approved by the Council. (Ord. 3226 § 1, 2012; Ord. 2506 § 1, 1992; prior code § 4.11).

Whenever the City Manager or his or her designee shall discover or be notified that any animal or animals enumerated in CVMC 6.04.020 are running at large, grazing, pasturing, injuring trees or staked or fastened in any manner prohibited by this chapter, it shall be his/her duty and he/she is directed to immediately cause such animal or animals to be picked up and placed in a suitable corral or enclosure for safekeeping. (Ord. 3226 § 1, 2012; Ord. 2506 § 1, 1992; Ord. 1979 § 1, 1982; prior code § 4.3).

Standard fees charged by the City for impoundment and boarding of animals shall be lawful charges against the owner or owners or persons in charge of such animals. The agency furnishing services or board shall be entitled to a lien upon the animals for payment of the required fee(s). (Ord. 3226 § 1, 2012; Ord. 2506 § 1, 1992; Ord. 1979 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1961 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1814 § 1, 1978; Ord. 833; prior code § 4.4).

Whenever the Animal Care Facility Manager shall be notified by the facility’s medical staff that an animal that was impounded and is being reclaimed by its owner requires medical care, at the time of redemption the owner will be given a mandatory medical form that will be issued with a time frame of compliance of 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours depending on the severity of the injury. (Ord. 3226 § 1, 2012).

A. The required holding period for a stray dog/cat impounded pursuant to this chapter shall be a minimum of three days, not including the day of impoundment.

B. During the holding period required by this section and prior to the adoption or euthanasia of a dog or cat impounded pursuant to this chapter, the dog or cat shall be scanned for a microchip that identifies the owner of that dog or cat and staff shall make reasonable efforts to contact the owner and notify him or her that his or her dog/cat is impounded and is available for redemption. (Ord. 3552 § 1, 2023; Ord. 3226 § 1, 2012).

Every animal impounded under this chapter shall be humanely euthanized, put up for adoption, or exited by approved rescues by the City Manager or his or her designee. If claimed and taken away by the owner, all applicable fees will apply which may include but not be limited to impoundment fees, boarding and any other fees and are payable at time of claim. It shall be the duty of the City Manager or his or her designee within one business day to attempt to notify personally or by mail the owner of any animal bearing a tag or plate mentioned in CVMC 6.20.060 or any other form of identification such as a microchip. Any person adopting a dog or cat shall pay the required adoption fee(s). (Ord. 3226 § 1, 2012; Ord. 2506 § 1, 1992; Ord. 1906 § 1, 1980).

Repealed by Ord. 3226 § 1, 2012.

Residents of the City of Chula Vista may relinquish dogs and cats to the City when and if any space at shelter allows for it and upon payment of the required fee(s). Nonresidents of the City of Chula Vista that contract with the City for their animal care services may relinquish dogs and cats to the City when and if any space at shelter allows for it, providing such relinquishment is done at the City animal shelter, upon payment of the required fee(s). (Ord. 3226 § 1, 2012; Ord. 2506 § 3, 1992).

Upon relinquishment of a dog/cat, the owner of that dog/cat shall present sufficient identification to establish his or her ownership of the dog/cat and shall sign a statement that he or she is the lawful owner of the dog/cat. (Ord. 3226 § 1, 2012).