Lassen County Municipal Code Ch. 8.04 General Provisions

This title shall be known and may be referred to as the county animal control ordinance.

(Ord. 533 § 4, 1997; Ord. 533-A § 4, 2000; Ord. 2022-10 § 2)

The purpose of this title is to regulate the control and humane treatment of animals within the boundaries of Lassen County for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

(Ord. 533 § 4, 1997; Ord. 533-A § 4, 2000; Ord. 2022-10 § 2)

For the purposes of this title, the following definitions apply:

"Animal control"

means the animal control unit of the Lassen County sheriff's office.

"Animal control officer"

means a public employee of the animal control unit.

"Animal shelter"

means any premises designated by action of the transportation/public works director or the Lassen County sheriff for the purpose of impounding and caring for all animals found which are neglected, abandoned, or running at large in violation of this title.

"At large"

means any animal when it is off the property of its owner or possessor and not under leash control of a competent person.

"Certified assistance dog"

means any guide, signal, or service dog as defined by Section 54.1 of the California Civil Code, or a certified therapy dog used in the treatment of emotionally ill and emotionally disturbed individuals.

"Director"

means the director of the animal control unit or the Lassen County sheriff or designee if there is no director of the animal control unit.

"Feral cats"

are cats with temperaments that are completely unsocialized, although frightened or injured tame pet cats may appear to be feral.

"Health department"

means the county department of public health.

"Health officer"

means the county public health officer or designee.

"Impoundment"

means the taking and holding of an animal by the animal control supervisor or designee.

"Kennel"

means any building, structure, enclosure or premises upon which six or more dogs over six months old are kept or maintained overnight for any purpose, except a veterinary hospital operated by a veterinarian or an animal shelter operated by a governmental agency.

"Kennel operator"

means any person, group of persons, or corporation who owns or operates a kennel.

"Livestock"

includes bovine animals, horses, mules, burros, sheep, and swine.

"Officer"

means animal control officer.

"Open range"

means all unenclosed lands outside of cities, towns, and villages, upon which cattle are permitted to graze pursuant to Section 17123 of the California Food and Agriculture Code.

"Owner"

means any person, group of persons, or corporation owning, keeping, or harboring an animal or animals for more than thirty days.

"Person"

means an individual, corporation, partnership, or association.

"Possessor"

means any person, group of persons, or corporation possessing an animal.

"Rescue service shelter"

means a person, persons, or corporation which provides temporary shelter, vaccinates, spays and neuters, and finds permanent homes for dogs of a specific breed.

"Sentry dog"

means a dog trained to work without supervision in a fenced facility to deter or detain unauthorized persons found within the facility.

"Supervisor"

means the public officer who is the supervisor of the animal control unit.

"Wild animal"

means any animal which is of a species listed pursuant to Section 2118 of the California Fish and Game Code.

(Ord. 533 § 4, 1997; Ord. 533-A § 4, 2000; Ord. 2022-10 § 2)