Chapter 6.04 — ANIMAL CONTROL

Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the Yolo County Code, more particularly identified as Ordinance No. 703, effective May 22, 1974, and commonly known as the "Animal Control Law of the County of Yolo," as it may be amended from time to time, is adopted by this reference with one exception. This exception shall be, and shall be limited to, Section 6-1.401.01, entitled "Dogs on Leashes." (Prior code § 3-1-1)

The "Animal Control Law of the County of Yolo" shall be subject to the following amendments. These amendments shall not be superseded or modified by further amendment of the "Animal Control Law of the County of Yolo" unless the amendment is approved by the City:

• A. Section 6-1.401.1 Dogs on Leashes: Dog Parks. Dogs on Leashes. No owner or bailee of a dog shall permit such dog to be within the limits of the City other than on private property with the consent of the property owner, unless the dog is restrained by a leash not exceeding eight feet in length; provided, however, that this section shall not apply: (1) if the dog is assisting a peace officer in law enforcement duties, (2) if the dog is participating in a dog training class, obedience class, exhibition, or competition that is being conducted at that location with the permission of the City, or (3) the dog is in a park designated as an "OffLeash Dog Park" by City Council.

• B. Section 6-1.422. Violations: Infractions. Any other provision of this Code notwithstanding, any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction, punishable as set forth in Section 36900 of the Government Code of the State.

• (Prior code § 3-1-2)

It is unlawful for any person to bury or inter the dead body of any animal within the corporate limits of the City.

(Prior code § 3-2-1)

• A. Definitions.

"Vicious dog" as used in this chapter shall mean:

1. Any dog which because of its size, training, behavior, physical nature, or vicious propensity is capable of inflicting serious physical harm or death to human beings and which would constitute a danger to human life or property if it were not kept in the manner required by this chapter;

2. Any dog which has previously attacked or bitten a human being, to the extent that medical treatment was required; unless such attack has been deemed to be excusable by the Chief of the County Animal Control Division, pursuant to Section 6-1.1003.1 Yolo County Code;

   3. Any dog which has behaved in such a manner that the owner or keeper thereof knows or should reasonably know that the dog is possessed of tendencies to attack or to bite human beings;

   4. Any dog which has been trained as an attack dog, or for protection, except such dogs which are employed by any law enforcement agency.

• B.

  • Regulations. The keeping of such dogs shall be subject to the following conditions:

  1. Leash and Muzzle. No person shall permit a vicious dog to go outside its kennel or rear yard pen unless such dog is securely leashed with a leash no 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, pen or rear yard unless a person is in physical control of the leash. Such dogs may not be leashed to an inanimate object such as trees, posts, buildings, etc. In addition, such dog on a leash outside the animal's kennel must be muzzled by a muzzling device sufficient to prevent such dog from biting persons or other animals.

  2. Confinement. All vicious dogs shall be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen, kennel, or rear yard, 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 such structures must have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the structure or the sides must be embedded in the ground no less than two feet. In the case of a rear yard, the yard must be entirely enclosed and the fencing must be of sufficient height, and sufficiently anchored at the bottom, that the dog will not be capable of going over or under the fence or enclosure. All such structures or yards must be locked with a key or combination lock when such animals are within the structure. All such structures must comply with all zoning and building regulations of the City and must be adequately ventilated and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.

  3. Confinement Indoors. No vicious 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.

4. Signs. All owners, keepers or harborers of vicious dogs within the City shall within 10 days of the effective date of this chapter display in a prominent place on their premises a sign easily readable by the public using the words "Beware of Dog." In addition, a similar sign is required to be posted on the pen or kennel of such dog.

   5. Insurance. All owners, keepers or harborers of vicious dogs must provide proof to the City Clerk of public liability insurance in a single incident amount of $50,000.00 to bodily injury to or death of any person or persons or 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 10 days' written notice is first given to the City.

• (Prior code §§ 3-3-1, 3-3-2)

It is unlawful for the owner, keeper or harborer of a vicious dog to fail to comply with the requirements and conditions set forth in this chapter. Violations will result in the following:

• A. Immediate seizure and impoundment of the dog;

• B. Revocation of the license of said animal;

• C. Prosecution for a misdemeanor carrying a fine in the sum not less than $200.00 and not more than $1,000.00. In addition, upon conviction, there may be imposed a sentence to imprisonment in the County Jail, not to exceed 30 days.

• (Prior code § 3-3-4)

The County of Yolo shall enforce this chapter. (Prior code § 3-1-3)