Chapter 6.05
GENERAL ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS
Sections:
6.05.020 Prohibition of wild or vicious animals running at large.
6.05.030 Permits required to keep wild animals on private property.
6.05.040 Property damage by animals.
6.05.060 Limits controlling animal enclosures.
6.05.065 Conditions for keeping certain animals.
6.05.070 Disposal of animal manure.
6.05.010 Animal noise.
It is unlawful for the owner/possessor of any animal or fowl to suffer or permit the animal/fowl to bark, cry, howl, or make other frequent or long-continued (30 minutes) noise that disturbs the peace and quiet of persons who reside or work in the neighborhood; provided, that at the time the animal/fowl is making such noise, no person is trespassing or threatening to trespass on the premises where the animal is kept, or no person is teasing or provoking the animal. Such noise constitutes a public nuisance and each day the animal is permitted to continue the noise constitutes a separate offense. A violation of this section by any animal/fowl owner or possessor may be cited as an infraction. (Ord. 192, 2006)
6.05.020 Prohibition of wild or vicious animals running at large.
No person owning or possessing any animal or reptile known by such person to be vicious or dangerous, or commonly so known, or any animal referred to as “wild species,” or any poisonous reptile, shall permit or allow the same to be at large upon highway, street, road, or other public place or upon any private property other than the enclosed premises of such owner/possessor. Any dog having a disposition or propensity to attack or bite any person or animal without provocation is defined as a wild or vicious animal. The animal control officer shall notify the owner/possessor in person and in writing to keep such animal within a substantial enclosure or securely attached to a chain or other type of reasonably adequate control. If, upon receiving the personal/written notification, the owner/possessor fails to provide adequate restraint or control of the animal as ordered by the animal control officer, said animal shall then be subject to summary seizure and impoundment. (Ord. 192, 2006)
6.05.030 Permits required to keep wild animals on private property.
No person owning or having possession of any wild animal, reptile or snake shall allow such animal, reptile, or snake within the enclosed premises of such person unless he has first secured a permit from the California Fish and Game Department to do so and has complied with all terms and conditions of such permit. In addition, such animal, reptile, or snake shall at all times be confined, controlled and restrained in such manner to the life, limb, or property of any person lawfully entering such premises shall be endangered. Skunks may not be kept for any purpose except by permit of the California Department of Health. If the above permits are not in place, or if wild animals, reptiles or snakes are not controlled as stated in this section, such animals are subject to summary seizure and impoundment. (Ord. 192, 2006)
6.05.040 Property damage by animals.
It is unlawful for any owner/possessor of an animal to suffer or permit that animal to destroy or cause damage to property not belonging to or under the control of the owner/possessor. The owner/possessor is liable for the damage or destruction of such property. (Ord. 192, 2006)
6.05.050 Animals at large.
A. It is unlawful for any owner/possessor of any animal to suffer or permit such animal to be at large as defined in this chapter. Violations of this section are subject to citation, and the animal at large is subject to impoundment as authorized by this title.
B. In the case of dogs, “at large” means a dog that is not on the premises of the owner/possessor or the premises of another with the permission of that owner or occupant, or not under physical restraint by a person capable of controlling the dog by means of a leash not exceeding six feet in length. This definition does not apply to:
1. Guide dogs for the blind or hearing-impaired while performing their duties.
2. Dogs participating in field or obedience trials and animal exhibitions.
3. Dogs assisting their owner/possessor in the herding of livestock.
4. Dogs assisting a security guard or police officer engaged in law enforcement duties.
C. In the case of animals other than dogs, “at large” refers to any animal which is off the premises of its owner/possessor while not under the physical restraint of a person capable of controlling the animal. (Ord. 192, 2006)
6.05.060 Limits controlling animal enclosures.
No person shall enclose any domestic livestock over six months of age in an enclosure smaller than one-half acre per animal within the city. Such enclosure shall be at least 20 feet from the boundary of the lot of any other landowner. Exceptions may be made to allow two hogs, sheep, or goats per one-half acre. (Ord. 192, 2006)
6.05.065 Conditions for keeping certain animals.
It is unlawful for any person to keep any domestic animal, poultry, and/or dogs, cats, or other pets in such a manner as to create a nuisance or condition which is detrimental to the public health, welfare, or well being of the residents of the city. Any yard, lot, pen, cage, hutch, field or area used for penning, holding or keeping of livestock, animals, household pets, and/or poultry for any purpose shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner at all times. A violation of this section by any animal owner/possessor may be cited as an infraction. Any person in violation will be subject to the fines on the city of Etna bail schedule. (Ord. 192, 2006)
6.05.070 Disposal of animal manure.
The owner/possessor of any animal in the city shall be responsible for removing and managing of the manure deposited by such animal, so that it will not create a public nuisance or hazard to public health and safety. This shall include deposits on public sidewalks and/or private property of another. It shall also include accumulation on the private property of a kennel operator or any other owner or controller of an animal. A violation of this section by any animal owner/possessor may be cited as an infraction. Any person in violation of this section will be subject to the fines on the city of Etna bail schedule. (Ord. 192, 2006)