Wasco Municipal Code Ch. 6.04 Animals

Sections: 6.04.010 Definitions. 6.04.020 Authority of animal control officer. 6.04.030 Dogs--Licensing required. 6.04.040 License fee--Amount when due. 6.04.050 Permit--Kennel, dog hobbyist, guard/rescue dog. 6.04.060 Dog license tag. 6.04.070 Dogs--Rabies vaccination required. 6.04.080 Vaccination--Performance. 6.04.090 Reports of animal bites. 6.04.100 Animals--Symptoms of rabies. 6.04.110 Exposure to animal suspected of rabies. 6.04.120 Dogs at large prohibited--Confinement. 6.04.130 Treatment and record of animal seized. 6.04.140 Notice of impoundment. 6.04.150 Conditions for animal release. 6.04.160 Payment for redemption of animals. 6.04.170 Adoption and impoundment charges. 6.04.180 Redemption of unvaccinated dogs. 6.04.190 Disposition of unredeemed animals. 6.04.200 Sale of unredeemed animals. 6.04.210 Disposition of cats and dogs on owner’s request. 6.04.220 Disposition of infirm animals. 6.04.230 Disposition of dead animals. 6.04.240 Dangerous animals. 6.04.250 Handling and keeping of dangerous animals. 6.04.260 Exotic, wild animals.

6.04.270 Control of neglected and mistreated animals. 6.04.280 Sale or disposal of live animals. 6.04.290 Offenses--Resisting actions of the animal control officer. 6.04.300 Animals creating a nuisance. 6.04.310 Penalties. 6.04.320 Transporting dogs in open vehicles. 6.04.330 Animal care requirements. 6.04.340 Citations for failure to spay or neuter. 6.04.350 Animal rescue groups. 6.04.360 Animal control fees.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall be used:

A. "Altered dog" means a dog which has been certified in writing by a veterinarian as being nonreproductive.

B. "Animal control officer" means such person or persons authorized by the city manager to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.

C. "Cat" or "housecat" means any domesticated carnivore, Felis domestica.

D. "Companion dog" means a dog specially trained and used to assist the blind, hearing impaired or physically impaired.

E. "Dog" means a domesticated animal of the canine type; young animals (puppies) of this type are considered dogs.

F. "Dog hobbyist" means any person who owns or keeps, within or adjoining a private residence, three or more dogs for personal and noncommercial purposes, which are limited to hunting, tracking, exhibition in dog shows, obedience trials, field trials, dog sledding or to enhance or perpetuate a given breed, and who has secured a permit for such activity in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

G. "Exotic or wild animals" means animals which are considered to be exotic or wild including but not limited to: apes, buffalo, coyotes, foxes, wolves, bears, cougars, lynx, bobcats, wild boars, cheetahs, jaguars, African lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, ocelots, monkeys, elephants, camels, llamas, undomesticated mammals and other animal, reptile, amphibian, bird or fowl which bites, attacks or in any way harasses any person or animal, or which has a disposition or propensity to attack or bite any person or animal, without provocation.

H. "Fowl" means any bird that is used for food or as food. Included in this definition are roosters, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and game hens.

I. "Grooming shop" means a commercial establishment where animals are bathed, clipped, plucked or otherwise groomed.

J. "Guard/rescue dog permittee" means any person who owns, keeps and uses a dog in connection with:

1. A commercial business engaged in patrolling and/or protecting private property; or

2. Law enforcement or search and rescue association activities and who has secured a permit for such activity in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

K. "Kennel" means any premises wherein any person engages in the business of boarding, breeding, buying, letting for hire, training for a fee, or selling dogs or cats except a facility operated by a humane society, or governmental agency, or its authorized agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals.

L. "Owner" means the "owner" of an animal and includes any person who owns, possesses, controls, keeps, cares for, harbors or has custody of the animal for fifteen or more consecutive days, except a veterinarian or an operator of a grooming shop, a kennel, or a pet shop engaged in the regular practice of this business as such.

M. "Person" includes all natural persons and any firm, partnership, corporation, trust and any association of persons, government agency or political subdivision.

N. "Pet shop" means any person, partnership, or corporation, whether operated separately or in connection with another business enterprise except for a kennel, that buys, sells or boards any species of animal.

O. "Unlicensed dog" means a dog for which a required license fee has not been paid, or to which the tag or tattoo required by this chapter is not attached. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 586 §2 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 328 §2, 1987).

A. The animal control officer is authorized to impound any and all animals which are kept, maintained, or found at large in violation of any of the provisions of this section and otherwise enforces all statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the control of animals within the incorporated areas of the city.

B. The animal control officer will coordinate with veterinarians within the city and vicinity to develop a comprehensive licensing, spaying and neutering program. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. It is unlawful for an owner of a dog to keep or maintain the dog in any place in the city unless it is licensed pursuant to this section or is specifically exempt from such licensing requirements. This section shall not apply to the following:

1. Dogs wearing a valid license issued by the county of Kern or an incorporated city within the county of Kern for such time that the licensing tag is valid.

2. Dogs under the age of four months which are secured or confined within the private property of their owner.

3. Any dog owned by or in the charge of any person who is a nonresident of the city and is traveling through the city or temporarily visiting therein for a period not exceeding thirty days, provided the dog has been vaccinated in accordance with city requirements and the owner or person in charge presents proof of such vaccination upon demand; and provided, that the dog is confined on the property of the person in charge of it while temporarily in the city.

4. Any dog brought into and maintained in the city for a period not to exceed thirty days for the exclusive purpose of entering it in any show, exhibition, field trials, training, or competition or for breeding purposes, provided the dog has been vaccinated in accord with city requirements and the owner or person in charge presents proof of such vaccination upon demand; and provided, that the dog is confined on the property of the person in charge of it while in the city except when the dog is being groomed, trained, bred, shown, exhibited or in competition.

B. No licensed tag or tattoo shall be issued for any dog until satisfactory written evidence is presented that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies in a manner approved by the animal control officer. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. Every owner of a dog over the age of four months in the incorporated areas of the city shall pay the applicable dog licensing fee for the license interval as set forth below. The dog licensing fee may be prorated by the quarter of the applicable year in question.

Type of Dog Fee License Interval

Natural dog over 4 months $30.00 One year only

Altered dog over 4 months $15.00 One year only

Natural dog over 1 year $60.00 One year

$110.00 Two years

$160.00 Three years

Altered dog over 1 year $15.00 One year

$25.00 Two years

Type of Dog Fee License Interval

$40.00 Three years

B. Any license obtained after June 30th of a particular year shall be paid to the nearest quarter of that year at the rates set forth in subsection A of this section, except as hereinafter provided in subsection C of this section.

The license fee is due and payable within thirty days of having the dog vaccinated against rabies. All dog licenses shall expire at the same time that their supporting rabies vaccinations expire or upon termination of the license interval, whichever occurs first.

C. Penalty. An unpaid dog license fee shall become delinquent thirty days after it is due and payable. Upon delinquency, a ten-dollar penalty shall be added to the regular fee. Penalty fees shall accumulate and be added to each successive license period.

D. Offenses--Failure to Furnish Information. Any owner of any dog in the city who refuses, fails or neglects to furnish to the animal control officer, fee collector or veterinarian authorized to vaccinate and license dogs and collect the license fees thereon, as provided herein, information necessary to properly vaccinate and license such dog, or who resists, hinders or obstructs the animal control officer or any of his assistants in the exercise of the animal control officer’s duties, or who fails, neglects or refuses to pay any required license fee at the time and in the manner herein provided, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Res. 2903 §2 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. A person seeking to operate a kennel, or to be considered a dog hobbyist, or guard/rescue dog must apply for a permit from the animal control officer. The annual fee for applying for such permits are described in subsection E of this section. Said permit fees shall be in lieu of any dog license fee required in Section 6.04.040 and the permit holder shall be entitled to maintain any number of animals provided the permit holder complies with the provisions of this chapter and any and all state laws relating to the treatment of animals.

B. Prior to issuing such permits the animal control officer shall determine that:

1. The permittees’ facilities are so constructed as to prevent dogs maintained or kept therein from running at large off the premises;

2. The permittees’ facilities are constructed and maintained in a manner that will ensure that the animals maintained therein will enjoy a healthy, safe, sanitary and humane environment and not become a nuisance to the neighborhood;

3. The permittee has not committed any activity which, in the animal control officer’s judgment, would constitute cruelty to animals;

4. The permittee agrees that the animal control officer may, at all reasonable times, inspect the permittee’s premises and operations;

5. The permittee agrees to comply with the provisions of this chapter;

6. The permittee provides evidence satisfactory to the animal control officer that all dogs maintained on the permittee’s premises have been vaccinated in accord with this chapter.

C. The animal control officer may revoke a permit upon determining that any of the conditions described herein are not being maintained by the permittee, that the permittee is in violation of this chapter, or that the kennel is being operated in a manner that constitutes a nuisance including, but not limited to, noise and odor disturbances.

D. Licensed veterinary hospitals are not required to obtain kennel permits.

E. Permit Fees. The annual fee for each type of permit shall be as follows:

Kennel with facilities to house/board over 20 dogs and $175.00 + $7.50 for each
permittees keeping more than 20 dogs dog

Kennel with facilities to house/board not more than 20 dogs $125.00 + $7.50 for each
and permittees keeping not less than 11 dogs, and not more dog
than 20 dogs

Kennel with facilities to house/board not more than 10 dogs $75.00 + $7.50 for each
and permittees keeping not more than 10 dogs dog

F. It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to operate and/or maintain a pet shop without first obtaining a permit from the animal control officer. An annual permit fee of one hundred dollars shall be due and payable before the permit is issued and shall be reassessed each and every year thereafter on the anniversary date that the permit was issued. Prior to issuing such a permit the animal control officer shall make the determinations described in subsection B of this section. In addition, the animal control officer shall, in connection with the issuance of any such permit, establish such conditions as may be necessary to provide for the humane care and treatment of dogs, cats and other animals, either domestic or wild. The permit holder shall be entitled to maintain any number of animals provided the permit holder complies with the provisions of this chapter and any and all state laws relating to the treatment of animals. (Res. 2903 §2 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. A dog license tag shall be delivered to each person who complies with the dog vaccination requirement and pays the license or permit fee required by this chapter. The tag shall be stamped substantially in compliance with the words "Wasco City Dog License," the license number, and the month and year that the tag expires. The tag shall be secured to a collar or harness which shall be worn at all times by the dog for which it is issued except when the dog is in competition, being trained (provided the handler has the license tag in his or her possession), being groomed or confined within a kennel, yard or pen.

B. The animal control officer may delegate the duty to issue licenses and collect fees when he determines such delegation is necessary.

C. Lost License Tag. Whenever, during the period for which it is effective, a dog license tag issued pursuant to this chapter is lost, taken or stolen, the owner of the dog for which the tag was issued may upon payment of five dollars and exhibition of evidence of current rabies vaccination receive a duplicate tag for the remaining portion of the period for which the original dog tag was issued. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. All dogs shall be vaccinated with a canine anti-rabies vaccine approved by the animal control officer within thirty days after becoming four months of age.

B. Effective July 1, 1987, all dogs shall be vaccinated at the following intervals:

Age of Dog Vaccination Expires

More than 4 months but less than 1 year old One year from the date vaccination is
(first vaccination) administered

More than 1 year old (no prior vaccination) Three years from the date vaccination is
administered

More than 1 year old (previously vaccinated) Three years from the date vaccination is
administered

(Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

Rabies vaccination shall be performed by a California state licensed veterinarian, hereinafter referred to as the "vaccinator." The vaccinator shall give to the owner of the dog which the vaccinator has vaccinated a certificate in a form approved by the animal control officer showing the date of the vaccination and such other information as is required by state law or the animal control officer. The vaccinator shall also submit a report of the vaccination to the animal control officer of the city within thirty days of the giving of the vaccination on a form furnished by the city. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

The owner of any animal that bites any person, and any person who treats any other person for an animal bite, shall report the circumstances of the animal bite incident to the animal control officer. The animal control officer may, in his discretion, place the animal under regulation or quarantine in a humane manner for such time as may be required or permitted by state law. The regulation or quarantine may be conducted at the home of the owner of the animal or at such other place as may be designated by the health officer, and the animal shall be kept securely confined while under observation. Dogs or cats that have bitten any person and are not vaccinated for rabies shall be quarantined at the city animal shelter and the owner shall be liable for the board and care fees. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

If any person observes or learns that an animal is showing symptoms of rabies or is acting in a manner which would lead a reasonable person to suspect that the animal may have rabies, the person shall immediately notify the animal control officer that such animal may be afflicted with rabies. The animal control officer may apprehend the animal forthwith and/or shall take such action as he deems necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

Whenever any animal susceptible to rabies is exposed to another animal suspected of having rabies, the owner of the animal so exposed shall, upon learning thereof, immediately notify the animal control officer. Exposed animals shall be treated as required by state law. When any animal is quarantined by the animal control officer, it shall be unlawful for the owner of the animal or any other person to violate the quarantine. Any of the following acts shall constitute a violation of the quarantine:

A. Removing the animal from the quarantine premises;

B. Allowing the animal to run at large;

C. Destroying the animal without animal control officer authorization;

D. Failing to notify the animal control officer of the animal’s death immediately upon the occurrence thereof;

E. Disobeying any of the quarantine restrictions imposed by the animal control officer; or

F. Allowing the animal to come in contact with other animals or persons. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog to allow it to be on the private property of another person or public property without the consent of the person owning, occupying or controlling the property. Animals on the property of another person with the consent of the person in charge of the property shall be under such restraint as is necessary to protect persons and other animals from injury and to protect the property from damage. Dogs shall be restrained by a leash not longer than six feet in length and under the immediate control of the handler or confined within an enclosed pen when on public property unless an officer authorized by the city manager to be in charge of the property has consented to the owner exercising another form of restraint.

B. Any person who at any time finds any animal at large in violation of any of the provisions of this section may take up, confine and hold the animal; provided, that such person shall within four hours thereafter notify the animal control officer of the fact that he has the animal in his possession and shall surrender possession of the animal to the animal control officer upon demand. If an animal is taken up, confined, or held at a time when an animal shelter is not open for business, the person confining it shall within four hours after the shelter reopens, notify the animal control officer that he has the animal in his possession and shall surrender the animal to the animal control officer upon demand. Any person, not employed by the city, who takes up, confines, or holds on animal pursuant to this section assumes all risk and liability associated with such conduct. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

The animal control officer shall require that a true and faithful record be kept of the number and description of all animals taken into custody, the date of their impounding and the date and manner of their disposition. He shall require that the necessary subsistence be provided for animals while in custody, that no mark or brand thereon be altered and that no animal suffers from inhumane treatment. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

Upon impounding any animal, the animal control officer may cause to be published in any newspaper circulated within the community where the animal was captured a notice describing the animal, the date of its impoundment and the address of the animal shelter or pound where it is being kept. The cost of the publication shall be charged against and collected from the owner of the animal before the animal may be released from impound. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

The animal control officer shall not release to its owner, or sell, any animal that has been impounded in accordance with the provisions of this chapter unless the person to whom the animal is to be released or sold provides satisfactory proof to the animal control officer that the animal will be maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable law. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

The owner of any animal impounded, but not quarantined, may, at any time during regular working hours and before the sale or other disposition thereof, redeem the animal by showing proof of vaccination and paying to the animal control officer all applicable fees and charges related to the impounding of the animal, including but not limited to any license fee if unlicensed, impound fees, care and feeding charges, veterinary charges and, in the absence of proof the animal is altered, a spay or neuter fee in an amount identical to that set forth in Section 6.04.170, and in compliance with California Food and Agricultural Code Section 30503. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

From time to time, the animal control officer shall promulgate proposed fees for adoption, impoundment and food and care of animals based on the actual cost of the same. He shall then submit the proposed fees to the city council for adoption. A list of the adopted fees shall be filed with the clerk of the city, permanently posted at the animal shelters, and shall be effective until changed. Until such time as the council adopts new fees, the fees are as follows:

Animal Impoundment Fees

Care and feeding of dog or cat $15.00/animal/day

Care and feeding of any animal, except cats and dogs, weighing $15.00/animal/day
less than 100 pounds

Care and feeding of any animal, except cats and dogs, weighing $20.00/animal/day
more than 100 pounds but less than 500 pounds

Care and feeding of any animal weighing 500 pounds or over $30.00/animal/day

Redemption of Impounded Animal Fees

Dog redemption--First violation of Section 6.04.120 $40.00

Dog redemption--Second violation of Section 6.04.120 $100.00

Dog redemption--Third and subsequent violations of Section 6.04.120 in any $200.00
12-month period

Dangerous animal redemption--First violation of Section 6.04.250 $150.00

Redemption of Impounded Animal Fees

Dangerous animal redemption--Second violation of Section 6.04.250 $250.00

Dangerous animal redemption--Third or more violations of Section 6.04.250 $500.00

A person shall pay the following fees to the city prior to the adoption of an animal in the possession of the city or its duly authorized agent:

Placement Vaccination License
Spay-Neuter Fee Total Fees
Adopt Fee Fee Fee

Female cat $5.00 $79.00 $0.00 $0.00 $84.00

Male cat $5.00 $45.00 $0.00 $0.00 $50.00

Puppy to 4 $10.00 $90.00 $5.00 + $20.00 $10.00 $135.00
months old RV

Female adult $10.00 25 lbs. or less $20.00 RV $10.00 $155.00 dog--(If in heat $115.00 or pregnant an 26 to 40 lbs. $165.00 additional $125.00 $10.00 will apply due to 41 to 120 lbs. $180.00 additional $140.00 surgery time and materials)

Male adult dog $10.00 25 lbs. or less $20.00 RV $10.00 $150.00
$110.00

26 to 40 lbs. $165.00
$125.00

41 to 120 lbs. $180.00
$140.00

Registered dog $21.20 25 lbs. or less $20.00 RV $10.00 $141.20
with papers $90.00

26 to 40 lbs. $151.20
$100.00

Placement Vaccination License
Spay-Neuter Fee Total Fees
Adopt Fee Fee Fee

41 to 120 lbs. $171.20
$120.00

(Res. 2958 §3 (Exh. B), 2014; Res. 2903 §2 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. The animal control officer and any other person designated by the city to enforce the provisions of this chapter shall charge in addition to redemption fees, a fee for the vaccination of any impounded dog which has not been vaccinated against rabies, and shall issue a separate and official receipt to the person paying them.

B. The sum of fifteen dollars is fixed as the vaccination fee to be collected by the officials enforcing this chapter. From time to time the animal control officer shall determine the actual amount charged by vaccinators for administering vaccinations and shall recommend proposed changes of the vaccination fee to the city council.

C. All sums received by the animal control officer and any other authorized person enforcing the provisions for costs of vaccination shall be deposited in the city treasury in a separate account or fund which may be appropriately designated and provided for by the city council.

D. The receipt referred to in subsection A of this section shall contain the following statement:

Any licensed veterinarian accepting this receipt in payment for the rabies vaccination of any dog shall be reimbursed by the City of Wasco in an amount not to exceed the amount shown hereon upon presentation of this receipt to the City Council or any person designated by the Council to pay such claims.

E. Vaccinators who accept receipts in payment for rabies vaccinations of dogs shall, upon presenting the receipts and claim forms approved by the animal control officer to the city council, be entitled to payment from the city treasury of the amount stated on the receipt. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. All impounded and unredeemed live animals, other than bovines, horses, mules, burros and animals with identification markings or tags, may be sold, released or destroyed by the animal control officer ten business days after being impounded; bovines, horses, mules and burros shall be disposed of in accordance with state provisions dealing with strays.

B. The animal control officer may dispose of dogs and cats with license or identification tags ten business days after service of written notice of the person whose name appears on the identification tag or license record. Written notice may be given by hand delivery, by posting on the premises of said person at his or her last known address or by mailing a copy to said person by registered or certified mail.

C. The animal control officer shall make an attempt to contact the person listed on the identification tag or license record by telephone within twenty-four hours of a weekday impounding or on the weekday following a weekend or holiday impounding.

Section 31108 of the Food and Agricultural Code is amended to read:

31108. (a) The required holding period for a stray dog impounded pursuant to this division shall be six business days, not including the day of impoundment, except as follows:

(1) If the pound or shelter has made the dog available for owner redemption on one weekday evening until at least 7:00 p.m. or one weekend day, the holding period shall be four business days, not including the day of impoundment.

(2) If the pound or shelter has fewer than three full-time employees or is not open during all regular weekday business hours, and if it has established a procedure to enable owners to reclaim their dogs by appointment at a mutually agreeable time when the pound or shelter would otherwise be closed, the holding period shall be four business days, not including the day of impoundment. Except as provided in Section 17006, stray dogs shall be held for owner redemption during the first three days of the holding period, not including the day of impoundment, and shall be available for owner redemption or adoption for the remainder of the holding period.

(3) Any stray dog that is impounded pursuant to this division shall, prior to the killing of that animal for any reason other than irremediable suffering, be released to a nonprofit, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, animal rescue or adoption organization if requested by the organization prior to the scheduled killing of that animal. In addition to any required spay or neuter deposit, the pound or shelter, at its discretion, may assess a fee, not to exceed the standard adoption fee, for animals released.

(Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. Any impounded and unredeemed live animal held for the time period set forth in Section 6.04.190 and not suffering from any infectious or communicable disease may be sold upon a purchaser meeting the following conditions:

1. Dogs may be sold upon payment of a placement fee, a rabies vaccination fee, a license fee and a spay or
neuter fee;

2. Cats may be sold upon payment of a placement fee and compliance with the provisions of state law
dealing with the spaying or neutering of cats;

3. All other animals may be sold upon payment of a placement fee;

4. Applicable placement, vaccination, license and spay and neutering fees are as set forth in Section
6.04.170(G).

B. The animal control officer shall not knowingly make a gift of or sell any dog or cat to any person or institution intending to use the animal for experimental or consumptive purposes. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

The animal control officer may, upon the request of the owner of any cat or dog which is maintained in the city at the time of the request, take up, destroy and dispose of the cat or dog upon the payment of the following fees as applicable:

Owner’s Fees for Disposition of Animals on Owner’s Request

Owner delivery of healthy dog to animal shelter $20.00

Owner delivery of sick/injured dog to animal shelter for euthanasia $50.00

Animal control pickup of dog for euthanasia $75.00

After-hours animal control pickup of dog $65.00

After-hours animal control pickup of dog for euthanasia $80.00

Owner delivery of cat to animal shelter $10.00

(Res. 2903 §2 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, abandon or turn loose without care any animal suffering distress from disease, injury, old age or other infirmity. Any such animal taken up by the animal control officer may be euthanized. The animal control officer shall assess the following fees for providing animal euthanasia services:

Owner’s Fees for Disposition of Infirm Animals

Owner delivery of sick/injured dog to animal shelter for euthanasia $50.00

Animal control pickup of sick/injured dog for euthanasia $75.00

After-hours animal control pickup of sick/injured dog for euthanasia $80.00

1. The owner will be charged fifty dollars to destroy a sick/injured dog.

2. The owner will be charged seventy-five dollars for the animal control officer to pick up and destroy a dog.

3. If the animal control officer picks up and destroys a dog after hours, the owner will be charged eighty
dollars.

B. This section shall not apply to persons keeping diseased or old pets which are under medical care from a veterinarian. A written statement prepared by a duly licensed veterinarian shall be deemed sufficient evidence of such care. (Res. 2903 §2 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

The owner of any animal which dies shall bury or otherwise dispose of such animal in a reasonable manner so as not to create a nuisance or health hazard. Whenever he discovers a dead animal within the incorporated areas of the city which has not been properly disposed, the animal control officer shall order its owner to dispose of it properly. If his order is not promptly obeyed, the animal control officer is authorized to employ any person to dispose of the dead animal. If the owner of the dead animal can be determined, he or she shall pay twenty-five dollars to dispose of the animal while in the course of normal business hours. The owner shall pay fifty dollars for the performance of services after normal business hours. (Res. 2903 §2 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

The animal control officer may declare an animal to be dangerous if he has evidence to believe that it poses a potential hazard to the health and safety of humans, other animals or property. In determining whether or not an animal is dangerous, the animal control officer shall be guided by, but not limited to, the following criteria:

A. Whether the animal has bitten any person or other animal, damaged property, or has attempted or threatened to do so;

B. Circumstances indicating the temper or ferocity of the animal; and

C. Its general menace to the public. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. If the animal control officer determines that an animal is dangerous, he shall thereupon give a written order to the owner of the animal to keep it at all times securely fastened or confined within the owner’s property in a specified manner so as to prevent it from having the opportunity to bite any person or other animal or damage any property. The owner of the animal shall obey such order--or be subject to applicable penalties.

B. Any animal determined to be dangerous by the animal control officer that subsequently bites or otherwise injures a person or other animal or damages property may be impounded for euthanasia. At the time of impoundment the animal control officer shall notify the animal’s owner in writing of the right to appeal the euthanasia and the appeal procedures in subsection C of this section.

C. An appeal of an animal control officer’s euthanasia determination shall be made in writing to the animal control officer and filed within five working days of the impoundment. The appeal shall list the name, address and phone number of the legal owner(s) of the animal(s) and shall state the reason(s) for opposing the euthanasia. The appeal shall be heard within two weeks of its filing by city council. The disposition of the appeal shall be as decided by a majority of the city council.

D. Leash and Muzzle. No person shall permit a vicious or dangerous dog to go outside its kennel or pen unless such dog is securely leashed with a leash not longer than four feet in length. No person shall permit a vicious dog to be kept on a chain, rope or other type of leash outside its kennel or pen unless a person is in physical control of the leash. Such dogs may not simply be leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts, buildings, etc. All vicious or dangerous dogs on a leash outside the animal’s kennel must be muzzled with a muzzling device sufficient to inhibit such a dog from biting persons or other animals.

E. Confinement. All vicious or dangerous dogs shall be kept securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or kennel, except when leashed and muzzled as above provided. Such pen, kennel or structure must have secure sides and a secure top attached to the sides. All structures used to confine vicious or dangerous dogs must be locked with a key or combination lock when such animals are within the structure. Such structure must have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the pen or the sides of the pen must be embedded in the ground no less than two feet. All structures erected to house dangerous animals or vicious dogs must comply with all zoning and building regulations of the city. All such structures must be adequately lighted and ventilated and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.

F. Confinement Indoors. No vicious or dangerous dog may be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or structure that would allow the dog to exit such building on its own volition. In addition, no such animal may be kept in a house or structure when the windows are open or when screen windows or screen doors are the only obstacle preventing the dog from exiting the structure.

G. Signs. All owners, keepers or harborers of vicious or dangerous dogs within the city shall within ten days of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter display in a prominent place on their premises a sign easily readable by the public using words substantially in the form, "Beware of Dog." In addition a similar sign is required to be posted on the kennel or pen of such animal.

H. Insurance. All owners, keepers or harborers of vicious or dangerous dogs must within ten days of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter provide proof to the city clerk of public liability insurance in a single incident amount of fifty thousand dollars for bodily injury to or death of any person or persons or for damage to property owned by any persons which may result from the ownership, keeping or maintenance of such animal. Such insurance policy shall provide that no cancellation of the policy will be made unless ten days’ written notice is first given to the city clerk.

I. Sale or Transfer of Ownership Prohibited. No person shall sell, barter or in any other way dispose of a vicious or dangerous dog registered with the city to any person within the city unless the recipient person resides permanently in the same household and on the same premises as the registered owner of such dog; provided, that the registered owner of a vicious dog may sell or otherwise dispose of a registered dog to persons who do not reside within the city.

J. Failure to Comply. It shall be unlawful for the owner, keeper or harborer of a vicious or dangerous dog registered with the city to fail to comply with the requirements and conditions set forth in this chapter. Any dog found to be the subject of a violation of this chapter shall be subject to immediate seizure and impoundment. Failure to comply may result in the immediate removal of the animal by the city.

K. Violations and Penalties. Any person violating or permitting the violation of any provision of this section shall be charged with a misdemeanor offense and upon conviction shall be fined a sum not less than two hundred fifty dollars and not more than one thousand dollars. In addition to the fine imposed, the court may sentence the defendant to imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed thirty days. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. Possession (Without Permits) Unlawful. It is a misdemeanor for any person to have, keep, maintain, breed, sell, trade, exhibit or let for hire any wild, exotic or carnivorous undomesticated animal without first obtaining a special permit from the animal control officer pursuant to this section.

B. Animals Otherwise Licensed. The licensing provisions of this section shall not be applicable to licensed circuses, carnivals, zoos or other collections of wild, exotic or carnivorous and undomesticated animals under the jurisdiction of the city, the county, the state or the federal government.

C. Authority of Animal Control Officer. The animal control officer may authorize by permit the keeping or maintaining of any wild, exotic or carnivorous undomesticated animal when, in his opinion, the animal may be kept or maintained without endangering the safety of any person, other animal or property or creating a nuisance; provided, however, that the animal control officer may require that the animal be properly caged, tethered or restrained and may impose such additional requirements as he deems necessary and proper under the circumstances.

D. Inadequate Care of Animals. Any person who in the reasonable judgment of the animal control officer is unable to maintain and provide for any wild, exotic or carnivorous undomesticated animal adequately and safely shall not be issued a permit.

E. Right to Appeal. Any person denied a permit may appeal the denial to the animal control officer within thirty days of the denial. The permit applicant(s) shall be notified in writing at the time of denial of the right of appeal and the procedures pertaining to the appeal process. Appeals must be in writing and state the name, address and phone number of the applicant(s) for the permit. The appeal shall be heard by the city council within two weeks of its filing with the animal control officer and the disposition of the permit application shall be decided by a majority of the city council.

F. Right to Inspect Conditions--Revocation. The animal control officer may at any time inspect the premises where any animal subject to this section is proposed to be kept or is kept and may investigate the conditions under which any such animal will be, or is, maintained in order to determine the appropriate requirements to include in any permit to be issued or whether the existing conditions comply with requirements of an issued permit. He may at any time add to or modify the requirements of an issued permit when in his opinion the public health and safety so require. The animal control officer may, after notice and hearing, revoke such permit upon a showing of persistent violations of the terms or requirements thereof.

G. Notice of Escape. Any person keeping or maintaining a wild, exotic animal which escapes from its confinement shall immediately notify the animal control officer of such escape.

H. Disposition. Wild, exotic or carnivorous undomesticated animals found running loose may be impounded in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Neither the city nor its officers, agents or employees shall be liable for injury to or disease contracted by such animal while being captured, transported or impounded. Wild, exotic animals found at large and injuring, damaging or threatening to injure or damage any person or property will be deemed to be a public nuisance and may be summarily destroyed. Neither the city nor its officers, agents or employees shall be liable for any such summary destruction. Reclamation by an owner or keeper of any impounded wild, exotic animal may be permitted upon payment to the animal control officer of his actual costs of impounding and care of such animal.

I. Fees. The following yearly permit fees are due and payable before the permit is issued and in each and every year thereafter on the anniversary date that the permit was issued. The fee is delinquent thirty days after it is due. If the fee is not paid within thirty days of the delinquency date, the fee will be increased by fifty percent.

Exotic/Wild Animal Permit Fees

Type of Animal Fee Permit Interval

One or more animals each weighing less than 25 $40.00 Yearly
lbs

One or more animals each weighing 25--50 lbs $50.00 Yearly

One or more animals each weighing 50--100 lbs $60.00 Yearly

Exotic/Wild Animal Permit Fees

Type of Animal Fee Permit Interval

One or more animals each weighing 100 lbs or $72.00 Yearly
more

(Res. 2903 §2 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

It is the intent of the city council that no animals be exposed to or involved in conditions which constitute a violation of Section 6.04.300 or 6.04.330; or of the California Penal Code or any other state laws or city ordinances as may be in effect. (Ord. 587, 2009).

A. Live animals may be given away or sold only on private property which is the residence of their owners. Businesses licensed to sell animals are exempt from this section.

B. Any person who maintains, operates, leases, rents or lends space at a swap meet or similar venue shall not permit, cause, display for, or promote the sale of live animals at such swap meet or similar venue. "Live animal" as defined by this section shall include, but is not limited to, dogs, cats, birds, fish, poultry, rabbits and livestock. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. No person shall obstruct or interfere with the animal control officer in the performance of his duties under this chapter or aid or abet others in so doing.

B. No person shall remove or attempt to remove any animal taken into custody by the animal control officer without his authorization.

C. No person shall cause or aid the escape of any animal sought for custody by the animal control officer or aid or abet others in doing so.

D. Any person who commits any act prohibited by this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Chapter 1.08. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. The keeping or harboring of any dog, cat or other animal or fowl, whether licensed or not, which is by habitual howling, yelping, barking or other noise causing a disturbance or annoyance to any person, is unlawful and is a public nuisance, with each day that such act is continued constituting a separate offense. It is unlawful to suffer or permit any animal or fowl to trespass on private or public property so as to damage or destroy any property or thing of value, or so as to commit any other act dangerous to public health or safety, and any animal or fowl committing such act is a public nuisance. Any dog whose owner is cited under this section because of disturbances caused three or more times within any twelve-month period is a public nuisance.

B. Whenever an animal control officer has reasonable cause to believe that a public nuisance as defined in this section exists, he may conduct an investigation of such alleged nuisance.

C. If, upon investigation, an animal control officer determines that an animal is a public nuisance, he may declare it to be such and may issue an order to the owner of the offending animal directing that the nuisance be abated. In the event that the owner does not comply with the abatement order, the animal control officer may immediately refer the matter to the city attorney or district attorney for prosecution of the public nuisance or take such other action as allowed by law to mitigate the public nuisance.

D. If the owner of any animal declared to be a public nuisance fails to comply with an abatement order of an animal control officer and has been convicted of violating this section three or more times within a twelve-month period, the animal control officer may issue an order directing the owner to appear at a hearing before the city council, to show cause why the owner of the animal should not be required to surrender the animal to the animal control officer. At the conclusion of the hearing, the city council may order that the animal be surrendered and/or destroyed, or order such measures as the city council deems necessary to abate the nuisance. Any violation by the animal’s owner of the council’s order is a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Chapter 1.08, and upon conviction thereof the owner shall surrender the animal to the animal control officer for disposal.

E. The breeding and/or raising of fowl, as defined in Section 6.04.010, for domestic, hobby, food or scientific purposes is not allowed in areas of the city of Wasco except in zones designated A-E (exclusive agriculture), A-L (limited agricultural) or R-R (rural residential). (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 586 §2 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 460 §1, 2002; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

With the exception of those acts expressly declared in any section of this chapter to be misdemeanors, any act in violation of the provisions of any section in this chapter is an infraction punishable by a fine of fifty dollars for the first offense, and for a second or subsequent offense a fine of one hundred dollars. After a third offense, a criminal complaint may be filed against the violator in superior court.

These fines shall be in addition to any cost or fee provided for in this chapter for the redemption or disposition of impounded animals. A person is guilty of a separate offense for each animal and for every day during which a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 460 §1, 2002; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. No person shall transport any dog in or on the back of any open truck or other open vehicle while traveling on any city road, street, highway, lane or alley.

B. This section shall not apply to any person who transports a dog in any open truck or other open vehicle which is sufficiently enclosed by stakes, racks or is equipped with other devices which prevent the dog from falling or escaping from the vehicle.

C. This section shall not apply to any person while engaged in agricultural livestock activities. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

Every person, within the city, who owns any animal or who owns, conducts, manages or operates any facility for which a permit is issued pursuant to this chapter shall comply with each of the following conditions:

A. Housing facilities for animals shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair, to protect the animals from injury, to contain the animals, and to restrict the entrance of other animals.

B. All animals shall be supplied with sufficient good and wholesome food and water as often as the feeding habits of the respective animals require.

C. All animals and all animal buildings or enclosures shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

D. All animals shall be so maintained as to eliminate excessive and nighttime noise.

E. No animals shall be without attention more than twelve consecutive hours. Whenever an animal is left unattended at a kennel, pet shop, grooming shop or facility operated pursuant to a permit issued by the animal control officer, the telephone number of city animal control services or the name, address and telephone number of the permittee shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the front of the property.

F. Every reasonable precaution shall be used to ensure that animals are not teased, abused, mistreated, annoyed, tormented or in any manner made to suffer by any person or means.

G. No condition shall be maintained or permitted that is or could be injurious to the animals.

H. Buildings and enclosures which house animals shall be so constructed and maintained as to prevent escape of such animals. All reasonable precautions shall be taken to protect the public from the animals and the animals from the public.

I. Every animal establishment shall isolate sick animals sufficiently so as not to endanger the health of other animals. Sick animals shall at all times be isolated from the other animals.

J. Every building or enclosure wherein animals are maintained shall be constructed of material easily cleaned and shall be properly ventilated to prevent drafts and to remove odors. Heating and cooling shall be provided as required, according to the physical need of the animals, with sufficient light to allow observation of animals and sanitation.

K. Such person shall take any animal to a veterinarian for examination or treatment, if the animal control officer finds this is necessary in order to maintain the health of the animal and orders the owner or custodian to do so.

L. All animal rooms, cages, kennels, and runs shall be of sufficient size to provide adequate and proper accommodations for the animals kept therein.

M. Every violation of an applicable regulation shall be corrected within a reasonable time to be specified by the animal control officer.

N. Such person shall provide proper shelter and protection from the weather for all animals at all times.

O. Such person shall not give an animal any alcoholic beverage, unless prescribed by a veterinarian.

P. Such person shall not allow animals which are natural enemies, temperamentally unsuited, or otherwise incompatible, to be quartered together, or so near each other as to cause injury, fear or torment. If two or more animals are so trained that they can be placed together and do not attack each other or perform or attempt any hostile act to the others, such animals shall be deemed not to be natural enemies.

Q. Such person shall not allow the use of any tack, equipment, device, substance or material that is, or could be, injurious or cause unnecessary cruelty to any animal.

R. Such person shall give working animals reasonable and proper rest periods. Confined or restrained animals shall be given exercise reasonable and proper for the individual animal under the particular conditions.

S. Such person shall not work, use or rent any animal which is overheated, weakened, exhausted, sick, injured, diseased, lame or otherwise unfit.

T. Such person shall not allow any animal which the health officer has suspended from use to be worked or used until released by the animal control officer.

U. Such person shall not display animals bearing evidence of malnutrition, ill health, unhealed injury or having been kept in an unsanitary condition.

V. Such person shall not allow any animal to constitute or cause a hazard, or be a menace to the health, peace, or safety of the community. (Ord. 587, 2009; Ord. 328 §3, 1987).

A. The owner of an unspayed or unneutered dog that is impounded once by an animal control officer shall be fined thirty-five dollars on the first occurrence, fifty dollars on the second occurrence, and one hundred dollars for the third or subsequent occurrence. These fines are for unspayed or unneutered impounded animals only and are not in lieu of any fines or impound fees imposed the city.

B. An animal control officer, humane officer, police officer, peace officer, or any agency or officer authorized to enforce the Penal Code may write citations with a civil penalty stated in an amount corresponding to the violation as provided in subsection A of this section. The fines shall be paid to the city. Any funds collected under this section shall be expended for the purpose of humane education, programs for low cost spaying and neutering of dogs, and any additional cost incurred by the public animal control agency.

C. No agency, official, agent of the city, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or humane society shall be subject to any civil action by owner of a dog that is spayed or neutered in accordance with this section. (Ord. 587, 2009).

The purpose of this policy is to establish standard operating procedures and conduct for animal control officers and all rescue groups that wish to retrieve animals from the city and/or its city animal control officers. Violation of this policy by a rescue group is grounds for dismissal of its rescue privileges within the city.

A. All rescue groups wishing to rescue animals must be nonprofit organizations licensed by the California Department of Agriculture and their application to rescue must be approved by the city manager or his designee. For rescue groups originating from out-of-state, groups such must also meet all of the licensing requirements in the state in which they reside.

B. All rescue groups must have an application approved by either the city manager or his designee. Any rescue application may be denied at the discretion of the city manager or his designee. Each rescue group must submit a copy of its shelter license and a list of agents authorized to pick up animals from the city animal control shelter.

C. The city manager or his designee will notify an applying rescue group if the approval or denial of its application and will do so within ten business days of the receipt of the application.

D. In the event a rescue group’s application is denied, the group may appeal the decision to the city council.

E. A rescue group may have its rights to pick up animals from city revoked at the discretion of the city manager or his designee. The grounds for such revocation may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Failure to pick up animals on assigned pickup dates and times;

2. Berating, threatening, assaulting or harassing city officials, personnel, or members of the public;

3. Acting unprofessionally; and

4. Violating any of the other rules or provisions provided herein.

F. All rescue groups duly authorized by the city will have priority on animal rescues, and are to make arrangements to pick up all animals they intend to rescue prior to the day the animal is scheduled for euthanasia unless prior approval to pick the animals up at a later date has been given by the city manager or his designee.

G. All rescues are to be coordinated through the city manager or his designee.

H. All rescues must cover the cost of vaccinations determined to be necessary by city animal control officials for the animals. (Ord. 587, 2009).

Any and all animal control rates described herein may be modified by the city council by ordinance or resolution. (Ord. 628 §1, 2012).

The Wasco Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 731, passed August 5, 2025.

Disclaimer: The city clerk’s office has the official version of the Wasco Municipal Code. Users should contact the city clerk’s office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above.

City Website: www.cityofwasco.org

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