Chapter 6.12 — DOG LICENSES

(a)

The owner of a dog, except tourists or visitors who stay less than 30 days in the City, shall apply for and obtain from the Animal Control Authority a separate dog license for each dog they own after the dog is four months old. The owner must possess the dog license at the time the dog is five months old or 30 days after obtaining or bringing any dog over four months of age into the City. Such persons shall renew the dog license before it expires for as long as they own, possess, keep, harbor, or otherwise have custody of the dog. If renewal is not required, the owner shall, within 30 days after the expiration date of the dog license, advise the Animal Control Authority of the reason therefore.

(b)

Any dog which is legally impounded according to the provisions of this title and that does not have a valid dog license at the time of release shall be presumed to be a dog which, prior to impounding, required an Animal Control Authority-issued dog license, regardless of such dog's actual age or the owner's place of residence.

(c)

Upon presentation by the dog owner of a properly completed dog license application form, including proof that the rabies vaccination will be valid throughout the dog license period, and payment of the proper dog license fee, and if applicable, any late fees or penalties, the Animal Control Authority shall issue a dog license and license tag. The dog owner shall retain the dog license for inspection by any person responsible for enforcing the provisions of this title.

(d)

Dog licenses shall be valid for a term not to exceed the maximum immunity duration period specified for the various types of canine rabies vaccines approved by the California Department of Health Services and must be renewed prior to the expiration of the dog license term by the payment of the current effective dog license fee for each renewal.

(e)

The dog owner shall securely affix the current license tag to the collar or harness of the dog for which the license tag was issued and shall ensure that the dog wears such license tag at all times except when the dog is being exhibited at a dog show.

(f)

No person shall transfer or attach a license tag to any other dog for which the dog license was not issued.

(g)

No person, other than the dog owner, licensed veterinarian, or the Animal Control Authority, shall remove a license tag from a collar or harness or remove the collar or harness bearing such license tag from a dog.

(h)

Whenever a license tag is lost or damaged, the owner shall apply for and obtain a replacement from the Animal Control Authority upon payment of the prescribed fee for the replacement license tag.

(Ord. No. 2002-1136, 3-12-02; Ord. No. 2018-1467, § 2(Exh. A), 10-9-2018)

Owners of dogs having a current dog license issued in their name by another dog licensing agency may be issued an Animal Control Authority dog license upon payment of the applicable transfer fee. Such persons must possess an Animal Control Authority-issued dog license within 30 days of bringing the dog into the City. The rabies vaccination for any such dog must be valid for the duration of the dog license issued.

(Ord. No. 2002-1136, 3-12-02; Ord. No. 2018-1467, § 2(Exh. A), 10-9-2018)

The address of the owner is presumed to be the address where the dog is kept. Any change of address must be reported to the Animal Control Authority within 30 days following such change.

(Ord. No. 2018-1467, § 2(Exh. A), 10-9-2018)

(a)

Whenever the ownership of a licensed dog changes, the new owner shall apply for and obtain a change of ownership dog license from the Animal Control Authority and pay the applicable fee. Such persons must possess the dog license within 30 days of acquiring a dog currently licensed by the Animal Control Authority.

(b)

Dog owners or the parent or guardian of minor children who sell or otherwise change the ownership or custody of a dog shall within 30 days thereafter inform the Animal Control Authority of the name, address and telephone number of the new owner and the name and description of the dog.

(Ord. No. 2018-1467, § 2(Exh. A), 10-9-2018)

(a)

Whenever a person is in violation of Section 6.12.010 of this chapter and the officer issues a notice to appear, the officer shall note on the form that the charge shall be dismissed on proof of correction unless a disqualifying condition as set forth in subsection (b) exists. If the arrested person presents, by mail or in person, proof of correction as prescribed herein, on or before the date on which the person promised to appear, the court shall dismiss the violation or violations. Proof of correction shall consist of a certification by the Animal Control Authority or by any Clerk or Deputy Clerk of a court that the alleged violation has been corrected.

(b)

A notice to appear shall be issued as provided in subsection (a), unless the officer finds any of the following disqualifying conditions:

(1)

Evidence of fraud.

(2)

The person has been charged within the past one-year period with a violation of Section 6.12.010.

(3)

The violation involves a dog which has attacked, bitten, or otherwise caused injury to a person; or, which otherwise presents an immediate safety hazard.

(4)

The person does not agree to, or cannot, promptly correct the violation.

(c)

Any person who signs a certificate of correction with a false or fictitious name or who presents as evidence of correction false or fictitious information is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Ord. No. 2018-1467, § 2(Exh. A), 10-9-2018)