Article 7 — Wild Animal Control

No person shall have, keep, or maintain any wild animal or reptile unless adequate provisions are made for its confinement and control to insure the maintenance of the public peace, health, and safety.

(§ 2, Ord. 422, eff. April 23, 1971, as amended by § 4, Ord. 933, eff. September 23, 2022)

As used in this chapter, "wild animal" shall mean an animal or reptile which is wild by nature and not customarily domesticated in the City. This definition shall not include birds, small rodents, or small nonpoisonous reptiles commonly used for educational or experimental purposes or for pets.

(§ 2, Ord. 422, eff. April 23, 1971, as amended by § 4, Ord. 933, eff. September 23, 2022)

The Animal Control Department may make rules regulating the size and type of a cage or other means of confinement, the distance from the place of confinement to adjoining property, and any other regulations deemed reasonably necessary by the Animal Control Department or the County Health Officer to carry out the purposes of this chapter and to insure the maintenance of humane, sanitary conditions and the safety of persons and property. A copy of the rules and regulations shall be furnished by the Animal Control Department upon request. In applying the regulations to a given situation, the Animal Control Department shall take into consideration the type, nature, disposition, and training of the animal involved.

(§ 2, Ord. 422, eff. April 23, 1971, as amended by § 4, Ord. 933, eff. September 23, 2022)

Any person keeping or maintaining a wild animal that escapes from its confinement shall immediately notify the Animal Control Department of such escape.

(§ 2, Ord. 422, eff. April 23, 1971, as amended by § 4, Ord. 933, eff. September 23, 2022)

Wild animals found running loose may be impounded in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. However, neither the City or County, nor their officers, agents, or employees, shall be liable for any injury or disease to any animal incurred while such animal is being captured, transported, or impounded. Wild animals, when found to be at large and injuring or damaging, or threatening to injure or damage, any person or property, shall be deemed to be a public nuisance and may be summarily destroyed without liability resulting to the City or County, or their officers, agents, or employees.

Reclamation by an owner or keeper of any impounded wild animal shall be permitted upon the payment to the Animal Control Department of the actual cost to the Department of the capture, impounding, and care of such animal.

(§ 2, Ord. 422, eff. April 23, 1971, as amended by § 4, Ord. 933, eff. September 23, 2022)

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City of Ojai, CA

SANITATION AND HEALTH

§ 5-4.706

§ 5-4.706

No person, organization, society, association, or corporation shall import or release into the City any wild animal, whether indigenous to the County or not, without a permit from the Animal Control Department. The animal released shall be identified by an indelible number tattooed on the animal, and the person, organization, society, association, or corporation shall be responsible for any damage inflicted by such animal.

(§ 2, Ord. 422, eff. April 23, 1971, as amended by § 4, Ord. 933, eff. September 23, 2022)

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/OJ4979 on 2026-07-07

City of Ojai, CA

SANITATION AND HEALTH

§ 5-4.801

§ 5-4.804