Monterey County Municipal Code Ch. 8.40 Livestock

It is unlawful for any person to voluntarily or negligently permit any livestock owned, harbored, or controlled by him or her to be on any public road, street, alley, lane, park or place of whatever nature open to and used by the public unless that livestock is under the direct control of a responsible person capable of controlling such livestock and that it is permitted to have livestock on such public property, except this Section does not apply to areas which are commonly regarded as "open range."

(Ord. 3629, 1992)

It is unlawful for any person to voluntarily or negligently permit any livestock owned, harbored, or controlled by him or her to be on any private property without the specific permission of the owner or possessor of the property.

(Ord. 3629, 1992)

Any stray livestock, whose owner is unknown or cannot be located and is found trespassing on any private property, may be taken by the owner or possessor of the property and detained on the property. The owner or possessor of the property must notify Animal Control or the Brand Inspector within twenty-four (24) hours of stray livestock. Animal Control shall notify the Brand Inspector concerning stray cattle or branded horses within twenty-four (24) hours. Animal Control shall notify the owner of the animal, when the owner is known, within twenty-four (24) hours. The owner, after receiving notification of the detention or impoundment of the animal shall have seventy-two (72) hours to claim the stray livestock from the possessor. Animal Control shall call a licensed veterinarian if the animal is reported to be injured or sick and the possessor consents to have the stray livestock examined. The Animal Control Officer, or his or her designee with the consent of a licensed veterinarian, and to pr further suffering, may destroy the animal prior to the expiration of the seventy-two (72) hour period. The livestock owner shall be responsible for all impoundment, boarding, and veterinarian fees.

(Ord. 3701, 1993; Ord. 3629, 1992)

This Chapter may be enforced by any State Humane Officer and any peace officer. State Humane Officers and peace officers shall have the power to arrest persons in violation of this specific Chapter, as provided in Sections 836, 836.5 and 853.5 of the California Penal Code.

(Ord. 3629, 1992)