Part 1 — General Provisions

The ordinance codified in this chapter shall be known as, and may be cited and referred to as, "The Animal Control Ordinance."

(Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Whenever any reference is made to any portion of this chapter such reference applies to all amendments and additions thereto now or hereafter made. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

The present tense includes the past and future tenses; and the future, the present. Each gender includes the other gender.

(Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

The singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Whenever a power is granted to, or a duty is imposed upon the Director of Animal Care and Control or other public officer, the power may be exercised or the duty may be performed by a deputy of the officer or by a person authorized, pursuant to law, by the officer, unless this chapter expressly provides otherwise.

(Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not exceeding $500 or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each such person is guilty of a separate offense for every day during any portion of which any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person, and shall be punished therefor as provided under this chapter.

(Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Whenever provision is made in this chapter for the payment of fees, such fees shall be those which the City Council from time to time approves, by resolution or minute order. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Part 2 Definitions

For the purpose of this chapter, unless it is plainly evident from the context that a different meaning is intended, certain terms used hereby are defined as follows. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

If any animal pursuant to this chapter or any State statute has been received into custody of any animal shelter, such animal will have been "impounded" as that word is used in this chapter. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

"Shall" is mandatory and "May" is permissive. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Any dog for which the license for the current year has not been paid, or to which the tag for the current year provided in this chapter is not attached. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Includes any beast, poultry, bird, reptile, fish or any other animal. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

An animal off the premises of its owner unless such animal be securely confined by a strong leash securely and continuously held by the owner of such animal, or confined within an automobile.

(Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Any dog of any age, female as well as male. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Any lot, building, structure or premises wherein four or more canine animals over the age of four months are kept or maintained for any purpose. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Any cat of any age, female as well as male.

(Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Any lot, building, structure or premises wherein four or more cats over the age of four months are kept or maintained for any purpose. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Shall include mule, burro, pony, jack, hinny or jenny. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Any person, firm or corporation having an interest in, or having control or custody or possession of any animal.

(Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Any person listed in Section 830 of the California State Penal Code. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Any firm, partnership, corporation, trust or association or person. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Any place of business where dogs, under four months of age, or cats, monkeys, birds, reptiles, fish, or any other animals to be used as pets, are kept for sale. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

Any wild, exotic, dangerous or nondomestic animal, including, but not limited to, mammals, fowl, fish or reptile.

(Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

The Director shall mean the Director of the Department of Animal Care and Control. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

A place where wild animals are kept or maintained for any commercial purpose, including places where wild animals are boarded, trained, or kept for hire. (Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

A place where all animals impounded by the Department of Animal Care and Control are placed for their humane care and keeping.

(Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)

A canine rabies vaccine which is approved for use by the State of California Department of Public Health.

(Added by Ord. 806, adopted 11-26-85)