Reedley Municipal Code Ch. 3 Animal Control

The following terms as used in this chapter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section as follows:

ANIMAL: Any living vertebrate member of the animal kingdom, excluding man.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER: Any person designated by the state of California, city of Reedley, or Fresno County as an animal control officer who is authorized to perform such duties under the laws of this state or this chapter.

ANIMAL SHELTER: Any facility that is on property owned by the city of Reedley, operated by a humane society, or a public agency, or its authorized agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this chapter or state law.

AT LARGE: Off the premises of the person owning or having the possession, charge, custody, or control of the animal and not under the immediate control of a person by means of an enclosure, leash, rope, chain or other means of immediate effective physical control. "At large" shall also mean when the animal is on the premises of the person owning or having possession, charge or custody of the animal and not under the immediate effective physical control of said person sufficient to prevent ingress and egress of the animal.

BIRD: Any member of the bird family, including, but not limited to, parakeets, cockatiels, macaws, parrots, finches, conures and swans, domesticated to serve as a pet.

BREEDER: Any person, persons or business who breeds two (2) or more litters of dogs in one year for sale or profit.

CAT: Any member of the feline family, wild or domesticated, and shall be intended to mean both male and female.

COMMERCIAL ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENT: Any pet shop, grooming shop, auction, riding school or stable, zoological park, circus, performing animal exhibit, or boarding kennel.

DOG: Any member of the canine family, wild or domesticated, and shall be intended to mean both male and female.

DOMESTIC ANIMALS: Animals that are ordinarily permitted in a place of residence and habituated to live on or about the habitations of persons, and kept for company and pleasure.

EXCESSIVE NOISE: Barking, howling, whining, screaming, screeching, squeaking, squawking, or any noise which is loud, frequent, and continual over a period of time and which disturbs the peace and comfort of a person of ordinary sensitivity. The following shall be presumed to disturb the peace and comfort of a person of ordinary sensitivity: a) excessive noise for a continuous period of ten (10) minutes; or b) excessive noise for a continuous period of five (5) minutes on three (3) separate occasions within any sixty (60) minute period. "Continual" shall mean excessive noise with intervals of less than sixty (60) seconds between the noise. Provided, however, it shall not be deemed to be excessive noise if at the time of the noise a person or persons were teasing or provoking the animal or trespassing or threatening to trespass upon the private property of the owner.

FARM ANIMAL: Any chicken, goat, pig, cow, mule, sheep, horse, duck, goose or other species of bird, fowl, livestock, bovine, porcine, ovine or equine animal commonly kept or raised on a farm, except for dogs or cats that are licensed as otherwise allowed as provided in this chapter or by state law.

FOWL: Any chicken, duck, goose, turkey, guinea, pigeon, peacock or other fowl.

HEARING OFFICER: The poundmaster or any designee of the poundmaster.

IMPOUNDMENT: The taking up and confinement of any animal in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or other facility.

KENNEL: Any premises, wherein any person keeps six (6) or more dogs more than four (4) months of age except commercial animal establishments.

LITTER: A litter shall be defined as two (2) or more offspring from one or more female dogs located at the same premises.

LIVESTOCK: Any large animal kept or raised for use, pleasure, or profit.

OWNER: Any person, partnership, firm or corporation owning, keeping, or harboring one or more animals. An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for three (3) consecutive days or more.

PERSON: Any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, joint venture or entity.

PET: Any domesticated animal ordinarily permitted in a place of residence, kept for pleasure rather than utility, such as: dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, or hamsters.

PET SHOP: Any person, partnership, firm or corporation whether operated separately or in connection with another business enterprise except for licensed kennels, that buy, sell, or board any species of animals.

POUNDMASTER: The chief of police, unless the city manager has specifically appointed another city employee to serve as poundmaster, or the city has contracted for the performance of such services. Whenever the term "poundmaster" is used in this chapter, it shall include his or her designee.

PREMISES: A house, other dwelling, lot, or parcel of land in the city incorporated limits.

PRIVATE PROPERTY: That property on which a person or persons have the exclusive rights of disposition.

PUBLIC NUISANCE: Any animal or animals which:

A. Molests passersby or chases passing vehicles.

B. Attacks other animals.

C. Trespasses on school grounds.

D. Is repeatedly at large.

E. Damages private or public property.

F. Barks, whines, or howls or makes any other noise that disturbs the comfort and quiet of any neighborhood or any person.

PUBLIC PLACE: Any park, public building, playground, street, road, alleyway, or other places open to the public.

REPTILE: Any cold blooded animal including, but not limited to, turtles, snakes, lizards, crocodiles and alligators.

RESTRAINT: A leash not in excess of eight feet (8'), a tethered lead, or a fenced enclosure capable of keeping the animal under the control of a responsible person or within the real property limits of its owner.

UNLICENSED DOG: Any dog for which the license for the current year has not been paid.

VACCINATION OR VACCINATION AGAINST RABIES: The inoculation of a dog with a canine chick embryo origin modified live virus rabies vaccine, or canine nerve tissue killed virus rabies vaccine, approved by a health officer of the United States public health service for use in the prevention of rabies in dogs.

VETERINARY HOSPITAL: Any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals.

VICIOUS ANIMAL: Any animal, wild or domesticated that, when unprovoked, does any of the following:

A. Has seriously bitten, inflicted severe injury on, or killed a human being;

B. On two (2) separate occasions within the prior thirty six (36) month period has bitten a person causing a less than severe injury;

C. Has attacked and killed a domestic animal;

D. On two (2) separate occasions within the prior thirty six (36) month period has seriously bitten or inflicted severe injury on a domestic animal.

WILD ANIMAL: Any of the following:

A. Any nondomesticated animal living in a feral state;

B. Any animal described in California Fish and Game Code sections 2116 and 2118, or in any addition to Fish and Game Code section 2118 by regulation of the fish and game commission as provided for in those sections;

C. Any animal not normally kept as a domesticated animal or pet, nondomestic species when kept, maintained or harbored in such numbers or in such a manner as to constitute the likelihood of danger to the animals themselves, to human beings or to the property of human beings including, but not limited to, alligators, crocodiles, lions, monkeys and tigers;

D. Any species of animal which is venomous to human beings whether its venom is transmitted by bite, sting, touch or other means, except honey producing bees;

E. A vicious animal over which the owner has evidenced a failure to maintain control. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

The chief of police, in addition to his other duties, shall perform the duties of poundmaster, in the absence of a poundmaster specially appointed. The chief of police shall designate a police employee as the animal control officer. In addition, all police officers of the city are required to perform the duties of the animal control officer as may be required by the chief of police. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

The poundmaster, or his designee, shall take up, impound and safely keep any dog, which is found at large contrary to the provisions of this chapter within the incorporated territory of the city. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

Any animal, including, but not limited to, dogs, found trespassing on private property may be taken up and detained by the owner of the private property and turned over to the poundmaster to be disposed of as provided by law. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

The poundmaster shall keep a record of all impounded animals, including a description of the animal, the date of receipt, the date and manner of disposal. The poundmaster shall provide the necessary subsistence for all animals that are impounded. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

The duties of the animal control officer shall be as follows:

A. To take up and impound any dog or other animals (except cats), found at large, staked, or tied in any public place within the city or upon the premises of any person other than the owner of such dog.

B. To make a complete registry of impounded animals, entering the date of receipt, the breed, color, and sex of the animal, and if licensed, the number of such license and the name and address of the owner.

C. To notify by mail or phone the owner of any animal, bearing identification, impounded by the animal control officer, and informing the owner that such animal is confined at the animal shelter, and specify the amount necessary to reclaim or redeem the animal and the time period which the animal will be held before destroying or otherwise disposing of the animal. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

The poundmaster shall have the same authority and powers as granted to animal control officers. Authority or powers granted specifically to the poundmaster may only be exercised by the poundmaster or his or her authorized designee.

A. Authority: Each animal control officer shall have, and is hereby vested with the authority of a public officer. An animal control officer may, in the performance of his or her duties, enter upon any property pursuant to law, to ascertain if any of the provisions of this chapter or any state laws relating to disease, care, treatment, or cruelty to animals are being violated. An animal control officer may issue citations for the violation of the provisions of this chapter, and state law, or city ordinance in the manner prescribed by the ordinance, and remove animals from said premises if deemed necessary. The authority to issue citations in the manner prescribed by the city shall be alternative to any other authority provided by law.

B. Police Powers: An animal control officer of the city shall have police powers in the enforcement of this chapter and no person shall interfere with, hinder, molest or abuse any animal control officer of the city in the exercise of such powers.

C. Animal Control Devices: In the performance of duties for the control of animals, an animal control officer shall have the authority to employ the use of a tranquilizer gun or other animal control devices in common use with the state of California.

D. Quarantine Of Suspected Animal: Whenever the owner of any animal shall observe or learn that the animal has rabies; has symptoms of rabies; has been exposed to rabies or has acted in a manner that would lead the owner to suspect that the animal might have rabies, the owner shall immediately notify the poundmaster or animal control officer and shall allow the poundmaster or animal control officer to make an inspection or examination of the animal. Whenever it appears to the poundmaster or animal control officer that the animal has rabies or has been exposed to rabies, the animal shall be quarantined until it shall be established to the poundmaster's satisfaction that the animal does not have rabies.

E. Destruction Of Rabid Animals: If the poundmaster determines that an animal has rabies, the poundmaster shall cause said animal to be destroyed in a lawful manner, which may include destroying the animal immediately if this is the only method available to contain the animal. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

It shall be unlawful for any owner or person having custody of any animal to permit, either wilfully or through failure to exercise due care or control, any cruel acts upon any animal. "Cruel acts" are defined as follows:

A. To place, leave or expose, making accessible to animals, any poisonous substance.

B. To have, keep, or harbor any animal, which is infected with any dangerous, incurable, or painfully crippling condition, except as hereinafter provided. All such diseased or crippled animals with an incurable ailment taken into custody by the city shall be transferred to the poundmaster for impoundment. This section shall not apply to animals within veterinary hospitals or under the care of a veterinarian, or having been diagnosed with any common, incurable disease where impoundment or quarantine is not recommended by a veterinarian.

C. To fail, refuse, or neglect to provide any animal in their charge or custody as owner or otherwise, with adequate food, drink, shade, sanitary shelter, and protection from weather, or to carry any animal in or upon any vehicle in a cruel or inhumane manner.

D. To wilfully, or maliciously kill, maim, disfigure, torture, beat with a stick, chain, club, or other object, mutilate, burn, scald with any substance, overwork or otherwise abuse any animal as provided in Penal Code section 597, except that reasonable force may be employed to drive off vicious or trespassing animals.

E. To hobble livestock or other animals by means of chains, which are composed of tempered or other permanent wire links.

F. To drive or work any animal in a cruel manner when such animal is unfit for such work.

G. To promote, stage, hold, manage, conduct, carry on, or attend any game, exhibition, contest, or fight in which one or more animals are engaged for the purpose of injuring, killing, maiming, or destroying themselves or any other animal or person.

H. No person shall keep upon any premises, any animals in a foul, offensive, obnoxious, filthy or unsanitary condition. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

No person shall keep, harbor or maintain upon his or her premises within the city more than a total of five (5) dogs over the age of four (4) months, five (5) cats, or any combination of dogs and cats exceeding six (6) unless said person shall obtain a kennel permit in addition to obtaining a license for each dog more than four (4) months of age and shall comply with the kenneling permit requirements of this chapter, unless said person comes within one of the following conditions:

A. Upon reasonable showing of necessity to the animal control officer, a person may be permitted to keep a dog or cat on a temporary basis for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days.

B. Any person keeping, harboring, or maintaining six (6) or more licensed dogs, six (6) or more cats, or any combination of dogs and cats exceeding six (6) upon any premises in the city on the effective date of this section shall be required to obtain a yearly kennel permit from the city and pay any applicable permit fees in order to continue to keep, harbor, or maintain the dogs and/or cats in excess of the limits in this section. The kennel permit shall be obtained no later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of this section, and shall be renewed annually for so long as dogs and/or cats in excess of the limits herein are kept, harbored, or maintained on the premises. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

A. Prohibited: No person shall keep or maintain, or cause or permit to be kept or maintained upon any premises within the city limits, any animal which creates excessive noise that disturbs the peace and comfort of any neighborhood or interferes with the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life or property by any person. Violation of this subsection is an infraction.

B. Nuisance Prohibited On Property Of Others: No person shall keep or maintain, or cause or permit to be kept or maintained, any animal owned by him or in his possession or under his control, which habitually commits a nuisance upon the property of any other person. Violation of this subsection is an infraction.

C. Fines: Any person convicted of an infraction under the provisions of this chapter shall be punishable by: 1) a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) for a first violation; 2) a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200.00) for a second violation of the same provision within one year of the date of the first violation; 3) a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each additional violation of the same provision within one year of the date of the first violation.

D. Probable Cause Determined Upon Investigation; Actions Taken: If an animal control officer determines upon investigation that there is probable cause to believe that the owner of the animal is maintaining an animal which creates excessive noise, the officer may take the following actions:

1. First Offenses: For a first time offense, the officer should issue a warning to the owner of the animal notifying the owner of the excessive noise complaint(s) and inform the owner of steps necessary to correct the problem and the consequences if the owner fails to take corrective steps.

2. Second And Subsequent Offenses: For a second offense and subsequent offenses, the officer should issue an infraction citation.

E. Seizure And Impoundment: In addition to any other remedy available to the city under this chapter or this code, the investigating animal control officer may seize and impound any animal that is creating excessive noise. The owner of such animal shall be responsible for the costs of impoundment as provided in this chapter.

F. Removal Of Animal From City: Upon a fourth offense within a twelve (12) month period, the animal making the excessive noise shall be deemed a public nuisance and the poundmaster may order the owner to permanently remove the animal from the city limits. A failure to so remove the animal shall be a misdemeanor. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

No owner of any animal, except a cat that has been spayed or neutered, shall cause, permit, or allow any such animal to be at large in the city. A violation of this provision is an infraction. An animal that is at large three (3) or more times within a twelve (12) month period shall be deemed a public nuisance and the poundmaster may order the owner to remove the animal from the city limits. A failure to so remove the animal shall be a misdemeanor. The poundmaster shall have the authority to take up and impound any animal at large, except a cat that has been spayed or neutered. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

A. Whenever it is shown that any animal has bitten any person, the owner thereof shall, upon notice from the poundmaster, quarantine it and keep it tied up or confined for a period of ten (10) days and shall allow the poundmaster or other authorized official to make an examination of the animal at any time during the period of quarantine.

B. The owner of an animal that has bitten a person or domestic animal shall, upon demand from any animal control officer, demonstrate to the officer that the animal has been properly immunized with a rabies vaccine in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or otherwise release the animal to the animal control officer for inspection or quarantine. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

Whenever any animal shall be bitten by another animal having rabies or showing symptoms of having rabies, the owner of the animal so bitten shall, upon being informed thereof, either destroy the animal, quarantine it and keep it confined for a period of at least six (6) months, or place the animal in the care of a duly licensed veterinarian for the purpose of having the standard antirabies treatment administered and keep the animal confined for a period of at least three (3) weeks after the treatment has been completed. The poundmaster shall have the authority to quarantine, treat, or destroy the animal so bitten if the owner thereof fails to do so immediately or is unavailable. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

No person shall bring an animal or permit an animal to enter the city if the animal has rabies or has had rabies within six (6) months prior to entering the city, unless the animal has been vaccinated with antirabies vaccine, and the owner of the animal has an official tag or other receipt showing that the animal has been vaccinated by a duly licensed veterinarian. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

A. Every person owning, possessing, keeping, harboring or having custody of any dog over four (4) months old shall obtain a license for each dog. The applicable license fee shall be paid annually. The license fees shall be set by city council resolution. Such license shall be obtained, and the applicable license fee paid within thirty (30) days after the day on which a dog reaches four (4) months old, within thirty (30) days after acquisition of a dog if over four (4) months old, or within thirty (30) days of moving into the city. Any person who enters the city intending to reside in the city beyond a period of thirty (30) days, and who has brought a dog with them from outside the city, shall secure a license and pay the applicable license fee for the dog within thirty (30) days after the person enters the city. A license shall not be issued for any dog unless a valid certificate of rabies vaccination signed by a duly licensed veterinarian showing that the dog has been vaccinated within the prior twelve (12) months is presented and the applicable license fee paid.

B. The license shall be renewed on January 1 of each year thereafter.

C. Exemptions:

1. Service Dogs For The Disabled: Dogs being raised, trained and used to aid disabled persons shall be licensed without fee. Such dogs shall be either a guide dog, service dog, or signal dog as defined in California Civil Code section 54.1.

2. Government Dogs: Dogs owned and used by the city, county, or other public agencies, including dogs used by law enforcement agencies in the performance of law enforcement activity, shall be licensed without fee.

3. Temporary: Dogs brought into the city for the purpose of participating in any dog show or whose owners are nonresidents or temporarily within the city for a period not exceeding thirty (30) consecutive days need not be licensed. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

A. Upon payment of the license fee, the city shall issue to the person making the payment a license certificate and a tag bearing the serial number and year for which the license is issued. The license tag must, in all cases and at all times, be fastened to a suitable collar worn around the neck of the dog for which it was issued. Whenever a tag issued for the then current year has been stolen or lost, the owner of the dog for which the tag was issued may request a replacement tag.

B. No refunds or credits shall be made on any license because of the death of any licensed animal or the owner leaving the city before the expiration of the license period. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

A. Every person who keeps or harbors any dog over the age of four (4) months shall have such dog vaccinated against rabies by a duly licensed veterinarian. Such vaccination shall be at intervals of eighteen (18) months if nerve tissue vaccine is used or twenty four (24) months if chick embryo vaccine is used.

B. Every person bringing any dog into the city which has not been so vaccinated within the time stated above prior to importation, shall cause such dog to be vaccinated within thirty (30) days after its arrival in the city.

C. On demand of the poundmaster, every person keeping or harboring any dog over four (4) months of age shall exhibit to the poundmaster a certificate of a duly licensed veterinarian certifying that said dog has been vaccinated, the date of the vaccination and the type of vaccine used.

D. The poundmaster shall impound any dog which has not been vaccinated as required by this section. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

Any dog upon which the license fee is unpaid, or upon which the owner refuses to pay the license fee, or refuses to have the dog vaccinated as herein required, may be lawfully taken up and impounded by the poundmaster, his designee, or any animal control officer, and it shall be lawful for such officer to enter upon the property of any person for the purpose of enforcing this section.

Any dog taken up and impounded pursuant to this section shall be held at the animal shelter. If the owner of the dog fails to take the necessary action to properly license the dog and pay the applicable impound fees to redeem the dog within five (5) days of impoundment, the poundmaster shall cause the dog to be disposed of in any lawful manner.

In addition to the requirements for the license fees, the owner shall also pay redemption and impoundment fees before the impounded dog will be released. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

All dogs less than four (4) months of age shall be confined to the premises of, or kept under physical restraint by the owner, keeper, or harborer. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the sale or transportation of a puppy four (4) months old or younger. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

A. The owner or person(s) entitled to the control of any animal, which is impounded, may at any time prior to the lawful disposal of the animal redeem the animal by paying all applicable fees.

B. Licensing And Microchipping Impounded Animals:

1. The poundmaster shall not release an unlicensed animal to its owner, or adopt or foster an unlicensed animal, to any person who resides in the city, unless the owner or purchaser, respectively, secures the required license, and pays any fees and penalties required. The poundmaster shall not release an animal from the Reedley animal shelter that is not microchipped to its owner, or transfer ownership of an animal to any person until a microchip has been implanted in the animal. The owner of the animal is solely responsible for all costs associated with microchip implantation.

2. In order to assist with the identification of animals and reunification in the event an animal is lost or abandoned, the poundmaster shall implant any animal to be released from the Reedley animal shelter with a microchip. The cost of microchipping will be the responsibility of the owner or adopter of any animal to be released. The fees for microchipping will be set forth by a resolution of the city council.

3. Spay/Neuter Compliance For Shelter Animals. A spay or neuter recommendation by the poundmaster will be made upon the release of any unaltered dog or cat from the Reedley animal shelter pursuant to food and agriculture code section 30503. A spay/neuter fee may be deposited by owner of the animal to the city, for assistance by the animal control officer to spay/neuter the animal, including transportation to a licensed veterinarian. The fee will be pursuant to a resolution set forth by the city council.

To further help reduce the pet overpopulation problem, any animal released from the city animal shelter shall be required to be spayed or neutered within thirty (30) days of release. Proof of spay/neuter must be provided to the poundmaster within thirty (30) days of animal release from the shelter. If no proof is provided, owner will be required to purchase and maintain a breeder permit issued by the poundmaster. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009; amd. Ord. 2025-02, 5-27-2025)

The fees for impoundment and redemption of all animals impounded under this chapter shall be established by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

A. All animals impounded under the provisions of this chapter shall be disposed of as provided by law; provided, that no impounded dog shall be disposed of until after written notice has been given by the poundmaster or his designee to the owner of said dog as provided in this chapter. If the dog is licensed under the provisions of this chapter and a city license tag is affixed to the collar of the dog, the notice shall be given to the owner at the address set forth in the city licensing records. If the dog is not licensed and there is no license tag attached to the collar of the dog, no notice need be given, unless the unlicensed dog is impounded pursuant to section 5-3-18 of this chapter and the dog owner's address is known by the poundmaster or any animal control officer. If no person appears and redeems the dog within five (5) days from the date of mailing of the notice or within five (5) days after the dog was impounded, whichever is later, the poundmaster shall cause the dog to be disposed of in any lawful manner.

B. If any unlicensed dog, or any dog bearing no license tag, is taken and impounded under the provisions of this chapter, and is not redeemed within five (5) days of impoundment, the dog may be turned over to a rescue organization for adoption or fostering. If rescue, adoption or fostering efforts have been exhausted, or are not a viable or safe option, the poundmaster may humanely euthanize such dog.

C. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, an impounded animal that is not redeemed within the specified holding period, whether due to a failure to satisfy monetary obligations or otherwise, shall be considered to be abandoned by its owner and shall become the property of the city. Thereafter, such animal may be adopted or euthanized. Abandonment does not relieve the owner's obligation to pay all fees related to the impounding and keeping of the animal. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009; amd. Ord. 2025-002, 5-27-2025)

No person shall keep, harbor, or maintain any farm animal or wild animal on any lot or parcel within the city, unless specifically permitted by the zoning regulations of the city or in connection with bona fide schools, colleges, universities, research organizations, zoos, and laboratories engaged in the field of scientific research and education. Any person keeping, harboring, or maintaining any farm animal or wild animal on the effective date of this chapter shall have ninety (90) days from the effective date hereof to come into compliance with this section. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

The keeping of reptiles in the city is limited to turtles, lizards, and nonvenomous snakes no longer than six feet (6') in length. No person shall keep, harbor, or maintain any reptile other than turtles, lizards, and nonvenomous snakes no longer than six feet (6') in length on any lot or parcel within the city, except in connection with bona fide schools, colleges, universities, research organizations, zoos, and laboratories engaged in the field of scientific research and education. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, harbor, or maintain within the city any snake that is determined by the poundmaster to be a nuisance or a danger to persons or other animals. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

It shall be unlawful for any person within the city to intentionally provide food, water, or other forms of sustenance to a feral cat or feral dog. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

It shall be unlawful for any person to feed any bird or wild animal outdoors in a manner that creates: harmful health and/or sanitation conditions; destruction of property; unsightly or increased slipperiness of sidewalks; animal dependency; attraction of squirrels, rats and/or other vermin; or otherwise creates an unreasonable disturbance, such as noise, so as to disturb the peace and comfort of two (2) or more persons of ordinary sensitivity from different surrounding households. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

A. Breeder/Kennel Permit Regulations:

1. Purpose Of Regulations: The city council finds and declares that there exists a pet overpopulation problem in the City of Reedley. Overpopulation has resulted in a threat to public health and safety, inhumane treatment of animals, mass euthanasia of dogs and cats at local animal shelters, and escalating costs for animal care and control. The city council further finds that uncontrolled breeding is a contributing cause to this problem. In part, the solution is determined to be that all dogs, four (4) months of age and older, be licensed and spayed and neutered, unless the owners purchase the appropriated license/permit for the privilege of maintaining the animal intact and allowing it to breed. The city council also finds that an increase in the license fee for unaltered dogs will encourage dog owners to spay/neuter their dog(s) in order to help alleviate the city's pet overpopulation problem.

2. Kennel/Breeder Permit Process: An application for all kennel or breeder permits pursuant to this chapter shall be filed with the poundmaster, on a prescribed form. Permit applications will be reviewed, and approved or denied within thirty (30) days of submitting the application. Fees charged for these permits shall be set annually by a resolution of the city council as recommended by the poundmaster. The kennel and breeder permits shall be issued for the calendar year or any part thereof and are effective from January 1st of each year and expire on December 31st of that same year. The full amount of the permit fee shall be paid even though the permit is issued for only a portion of a permit year. Renewal and payment of the permit is due and payable on January 1st of each year. The poundmaster shall collect a delinquent penalty in an amount equal to the amount as established for license penalties.

The failure to obtain the appropriate permit is punishable as an infraction as set forth herein. Any or all of the permits within this code may be immediately suspended for any violations of the conditions for commercial animal establishments, or for any health or safety reasons as determined by the poundmaster, as prescribed in this section.

B. Kennel Permit:

1. It is unlawful for any person(s) to own, maintain, or harbor, any more than a total of six (6) dogs and/or cats combined within the city limits without first obtaining a kennel permit (or breeder permit for animals less than four (4) months in age) from the poundmaster. The issuance of the permit shall be at the discretion of the poundmaster who shall take into consideration the manner in which the animals are housed, sanitation and noise factors, as well as animal control regulations. The kennel permit may also require the payment of a separate kennel permit fee at the rate set by city council. Kennel permits shall contain the same requirements as commercial establishments for the health and safety of animals and the general public.

2. All permitted kennels within the city limits shall be subject to inspection by the poundmaster, or his or her designee, upon request or safety as needed. The maximum number of animals permitted pursuant to any kennel permit is ten (10) dogs or cats four (4) months of age or older. If any kennel is found to be in violation of the maximum number of animals allowed, the kennel permit may be revoked or suspended by the poundmaster.

3. Non-Compliance Penalties:

a. First violation; a penalty not to exceed one hundred dollars, ($100) per animal covered under the issued kennel permit.

b. Second violation; a penalty not to exceed three hundred dollars ($200) per animal covered under the issued kennel permit.

c. Kennel permit will be revoked, and the permit holder will be banned from holding a kennel permit for a period of thirty-six (36) months.

C. Breeder Permit.

1. It is unlawful for any person to breed or allow any animal to be bred, resulting in any number of litters of dogs and/or cats for sale or profit, or to advertise for the sale/adoption of such animals, without first obtaining a breeder permit.

2. The fees for a breeder permit shall be set by a resolution of the city council and must be submitted to the poundmaster for the breeding of dogs or cats that produce one (1) or more litters in a year, as well as advertising for the sale of dogs and cats within the city limits.

3. Breeding permit requirements are as follows:

a. No offspring can be sold/adopted until eight (8) weeks of age;

b. No offspring can be sold/adopted until vaccinated against common diseases;

c. The breeder permit holder must display the permit number when advertising the animals for sale/adoption.

4. Non-Compliance Penalties:

a. First violation: infraction punishable by a fine of up to one hundred dollars ($100), to be issued through an administrative citation.

b. Second violation: If the owner/custodian fails to comply and correct the cause of the first violation within (30) days, it will be considered a second violation. Any violation within one (1) year of a first violation will be considered a second violation. A second violation is considered an infraction punishable by a fine of up to two hundred dollars ($200), to be issued through an administrative citation.

c. A breeder permit will be revoked if a second violation occurs within twenty-four (24) months of issuance of original breeder permit.

d. Permit holder will be banned from holding a valid breeder permit if a second violation occurs.

5. Breeder advertising: It is unlawful for any person to advertise for the sale/adoption of a litter of dogs or cats in the city without including in the advertisement a city breeder permit number. A litter shall be defined as two (2) or more offspring from the same female dog or cat. Failure to properly advertise the sale of a litter of dogs or cats will result in the suspension or revocation of a valid breeder permit.

6. Reporting Of Dog/Cat Sale Records: Every commercial animal establishment holder of a breeder permit, holder of a kennel permit and others who sell/adopt animals for consideration must keep permanent records of all dogs/cats sold/adopted and provide such information upon the sale of any animal to the poundmaster for licensing and confirmation of rabies vaccination. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009; amd. Ord. 2025-002, 5-27-2025)

It shall be unlawful for a person to keep a vicious animal. Any animal which has been found to be vicious pursuant to this chapter, or any other county or city ordinance or any state statute, shall be conclusively presumed to be vicious. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

A. Whenever an animal suspected of being vicious is reported, an animal control officer shall investigate the circumstances and if the officer finds that the animal has attacked, bitten, or caused injury to any human or a domestic animal, or shows a propensity to attack or bite people or other domestic animals without provocation, the officer shall notify the owner in writing, stating the facts and circumstances. The animal control officer may order that the animal be kept within an enclosure, securely leashed or otherwise controlled.

B. If the animal control officer has probable cause to believe an animal may be designated as "vicious" under this chapter, and the owner is unwilling or unable to properly contain or control the animal immediately or the animal poses an immediate threat to the safety of persons or domestic animals, the animal may be seized pending the outcome of a hearing or trial and any appeals conducted pursuant to this chapter, or during the period of time the owner needs to comply with any requirements imposed hereunder. Any animal seized hereunder shall be impounded and kept at the animal shelter at the owner's expense.

C. The animal's owner shall be charged for all costs incurred or fees applicable with respect to such impoundment unless a finding is made that the animal is not vicious. An animal held under the provisions of this section shall not be released until the owner pays all applicable costs and fees for impoundment and redemption under this chapter. If the owner refuses to pay such charges, the animal shall be treated as abandoned by the owner, and disposed of pursuant to section 5-3-22 of this chapter. Disposal of the animal does not release the owner from his/her responsibility to pay the impoundment charges. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

If an animal control officer has investigated and determined that there is probable cause to believe that an animal is vicious, an animal control officer or the poundmaster may prepare a petition to have the animal declared vicious. The petition may be filed with the court or the city manager. If filed with the court, the procedures set forth in Food and Agricultural Code sections 31621 through 31624, as those sections may be amended from time to time, shall apply. If filed with the city manager, the procedures set forth in this chapter shall apply. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

There is hereby created an administrative procedure for the hearing of petitions filed with the city manager. Hearings for classification as "vicious" shall be conducted as follows:

A. The owner of the animal shall be given written notice of the hearing, by either first class mail or personal service, a copy of the petition, and notice of the restrictions that will apply to the animal if it is classified as a vicious animal. A failure of the owner to receive notice by first class mail shall not affect the validity of these proceedings. The animal control officer shall also send written notice of the hearing to any alleged victims of the animal.

B. The owner may waive his/her right to a hearing by filing a written waiver with the poundmaster, whereupon the poundmaster shall make the findings and apply the sanctions provided in this chapter.

C. If the animal has not been impounded, the hearing shall be set not less than five (5) working days nor more than thirty (30) calendar days after the notice was mailed to the owner or the owner was personally served. If the animal has been impounded, the hearing shall be set not less than five (5) calendar days after the notice was mailed to the owner or the owner was personally served, and within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of impoundment. The owner of the animal may agree to an earlier or later hearing date.

D. If the owner fails to appear at the hearing, the hearing shall nevertheless proceed, and an appropriate order shall be issued.

E. The hearing shall be conducted before a hearing officer appointed by the city manager. The poundmaster may not serve as the hearing officer. The hearing shall be conducted informally and the technical rules of evidence shall not apply. The hearing officer shall consider all relevant evidence presented at the hearing. The animal control officer filing the petition shall be present at the hearing and shall present evidence that the animal is vicious by witness testimony or affidavits, incident reports, and other records.

F. In making a determination of whether or not an animal is vicious, evidence of the following may be considered:

1. Any previous history of the animal attacking, biting or causing injury to a human being or other animal;

2. The nature and extent of injuries inflicted and the number of victims involved;

3. The place where the bite, attack or injury occurred;

4. The circumstances surrounding the bite, attack, or injury, including, without limitation, the presence or absence of any provocation for the bite, attack or injury;

5. The extent to which property has been damaged or destroyed;

6. Whether the animal exhibits any characteristics of being trained for fighting or attack or other evidence to show such training or fighting;

7. Whether the animal exhibits characteristics or aggressive or unpredictable temperament or behavior in the presence of human beings or dogs or other animals;

• 8. Whether the animal can be effectively trained to change its temperament or behavior;
• 9. The manner in which the animal has been maintained by its owner or custodian;
• 10. Any other relevant evidence concerning the maintenance of the animal; and

11. Any other relevant evidence regarding the ability of the owner or custodian to protect the public safety in the future if the animal is permitted to remain in the city. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

A. After the hearing, the owner or keeper of the animal shall be notified in writing of the hearing officer's decision and any orders issued, either personally or by first class mail. The hearing officer shall prepare a written decision within fifteen (15) days after the hearing is concluded, unless the animal has been impounded, in which case the written decision shall be prepared within five (5) working days after the hearing is concluded. The decision of the hearing officer shall be final. A failure of the owner to receive notice by first class mail shall not affect the validity of the proceedings or any decision or order issued.

B. If the owner or keeper of the animal contests the hearing officer's decision, he or she may, within five (5) days of the service of the decision if service is by personal service, or within six (6) days of service of the decision if service is by mail, appeal the decision of the hearing officer to the superior court, Reedley division, or other court having jurisdiction. The owner or keeper of the animal shall serve notice of appeal on the city by either first class mail or personally on the city manager. Any such appeal shall be a trial de novo. The determination of the court hearing the appeal shall be final and conclusive upon all parties. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess, harbor or keep any animal declared to be vicious pursuant to this chapter or any decision following a hearing conducted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

B. Any animal declared vicious, if not already impounded, shall be immediately surrendered to an animal control officer, and it is the duty of any animal control officer to take up and impound any such animal.

C. Any animal declared vicious shall be lawfully and humanely destroyed. The animal control officer shall sign an order authorizing the destruction of the animal no sooner than five (5) business days following the hearing officer's decision declaring the animal vicious. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)

No dogs shall be permitted in Camacho park and the sports park at any time whether on leash or off leash, except seeing eye dogs, police or fire service dogs, or when permitted by the city's park and recreation department for purposes of show or competition. A permit of use shall be obtained from the city's park and recreation department prior to any show or competition of dogs. A deposit for usage and cleanup will be assessed with said permit. (Ord. 2009-04, 9-22-2009)