Woodlake Municipal Code Ch. 6.12 Supplemental Dog Control Regulations

The ordinance codified in this chapter is adopted for the purposes of controlling dogs and shall be in addition to those regulations enforced by the county of Tulare in the city of Woodlake.

(Ord. 429 § 1, 1988)

Whenever in this chapter the following terms are used, they shall have the meaning below described.

"Leash" means any leash, rope, cord, chain or other physical connection or restraint not in excess of eight feet in length.

"Private property" means all other property not described in the paragraph below.

"Public place" means any park, public building, playground, street, road, alleyway or any other place open to the general public.

(Ord. 429 § 2, 1988)

It is unlawful for any person, intentionally or otherwise, with a limit not to exceed four dogs per residence, to permit any dog owned by, boarded, harbored or in his custody or control to go up on, run at large upon, or stray upon any public place within the city unless the dog is securely and continuously under the control of some reasonable person capable of controlling the dog by a leash or unless the dog is confined within a vehicle.

(Ord. 429 § 3, 1988)

(Ord. No. 615, § 2, 8-14-2017)

It is unlawful for any person, intentionally or otherwise, to permit any dog owned by, boarded, harbored or in his custody or control to go upon, run at large upon or stray upon private property within the city without the permission of the person owning, occupying or controlling the private property.

(Ord. 429 § 4, 1988)

No owner of any animal shall do any of the following:

1. Permit such animal to obstruct the reasonable and comfortable use of property in any neighborhood or community by chasing vehicles, molesting passersby, barking, howling or making other noise;

2. Permit such animal to damage or trespass on public or private property;

3. Permit unsanitary conditions to exist on the premises where such animal is kept which would cause odors, attract flies or vermin, or which would be otherwise injurious to the public health, offensive to the senses, or an obstruction to the free use of property so as to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property by members of the neighborhood or community or any considerable number of other persons;

4. Maintain a dangerous animal in a manner that creates a significant threat to the public health, safety, and welfare.

Any violation of this section is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.

(Ord. 429 § 5, 1988)

(Ord. No. 624, § 2, 1-13-2020)

Any individual making a complaint shall furnish their name, address, telephone number, indicate a willingness to sign a complaint and provide such testimony in the appropriate court as may be required.

(Ord. 429 § 6, 1988)

There is excepted from this chapter any dog trained and utilized as a guide dog for the aid and assistance of the blind.

(Ord. 429 § 7, 1988)

A violation of this chapter is not punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor, a violation of this chapter is punishable only by an administrative fine. Any person who violates any provisions of any ordinance enacted by the city, as amended from time to time, or any person who owns property upon which a violation exists, irrespective of whether that person caused the violation, shall be subject to an administrative fine or penalty up to the maximum amounts set forth by Woodlake Municipal Code Chapter 1.12.070.

Persons cited for violating this chapter may request an administrative appeal hearing as permitted by Woodlake Municipal Code Chapter 1.12.110.

(Ord. 531 § 1, 1999: Ord. 429 § 8, 1988)

(Ord. No. 641, § 2, 11-8-2021)

The tethering and/or chaining of dogs shall be consistent with California Health and Safety Code section 122335.

(Ord. No. 624, § 2, 1-13-2020)