Rio Vista Municipal Code Ch. 6.04 Administration and Enforcement

Except as amended by and expressly provided in this code, the Solano County Code, Chapter 4 Animals and Fowl, shall be applicable and enforced within the incorporated limits of the city. In the case of conflict, unless prohibited by state or federal law, this title shall govern.

(Prior code § 4-1; Ord. 587 § 1, 2002; Ord. 012-2025, 4/1/2025)

For the purposes of this title, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:

"Animal"

means any mammal, bird, reptile or fish.

"Animal control director" and "animal control officer"

shall mean the city manager, or his or her designee.

"At large"

means any animal off the premises of its owner and not under restraint by leash or chain, or not otherwise controlled by a person physically capable of restraining the animal.

"Cat"

means any member of the feline species over the age of four months customarily kept by humans as a pet.

"Department of public health"

means the county department of public health.

"Dog"

means any member of the canine species over the age of four months customarily kept by humans as a pet.

"Dog license"

means the license required to be annually issued for each individual dog.

"Event"

means an occurrence, a noteworthy happening.

"Exotic animal"

means any wild animal not customarily kept by humans for domestic or commercial purposes but rather as a pet or for display.

"Herded"

means any animal herded in violation of Section 16903 of the Agricultural Code of the state.

"Horse"

includes any equine animal such as mule, burro, pony, jackass, hinny, or jenny.

"Kennel"

applies to premises defined as follows:

"Commercial kennel or cattery"

means any premises maintained for profit where dogs or cats are kept for the purpose of boarding, breeding, buying, selling, renting, exhibiting or training.

"Kitten"

means any feline under four months of age.

"Licensed dog"

means any dog for which a license for the current license year has been paid, and to which the tag provided for in this chapter is properly attached.

"Owner"

means any person owning, having an interest in, or having control or custody or possession of any animal.

"Pet shop"

means an establishment operated by any person, firm, or corporation where live animals are kept for sale, barter, or hire.

"Puppy"

means any dog under four months of age.

"Service animal"

means the same as set forth in Code of Federal Regulations Title 28, Section 36.104, as may be amended from time to time and any successor statute thereto, providing "service animal" means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Service animals exclude any other species of animal or any dog retained solely for crime deterrent effects or the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship.

"Surrendered animal"

means any animal relinquished and delivered by the owner thereof to the animal control shelter or an animal control officer, and which the owner fills out the prescribed surrender forms.

"Unlicensed dog"

means any dog for which a license for the current year has not been paid or to which the tag provided for in this chapter is not attached.

"Wild specie"

means any animal which is not commonly classified as a domestic animal.

(Prior code § 4-100; Ord. 587 § 1, 2002; ; Ord. 012-2025, 4/1/2025)

The city council shall set by resolution the rate of fees, charges, penalties, and other costs imposed pursuant to this title.

(Prior code § 4-101; Ord. 587 § 1, 2002; Ord. 012-2025, 4/1/2025)

The animal control director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this title. No person shall interfere with the animal control director or any animal control officer(s) in the performance of his or her duties.

(Prior code § 4-113; Ord. 587 § 1, 2002; Ord. 012-2025, 4/1/2025)

The animal control director may supplement the provisions of this title with rules and regulations for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this title. Such rules and regulations shall become effective upon adoption by the Rio Vista city council.

(Prior code § 4-143; Ord. 587 § 1, 2002)

Except as otherwise specified by this title, any violation of this title shall be an infraction. Where a specific penalty is not provided for an infraction violation, any such violation shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $500. Every day any violation of this chapter shall continue shall constitute a separate offense.

(Prior code § 4-144; Ord. 587 § 1, 2002; Ord. 012-2025, 4/1/2025)