Chapter 6.04
ANIMAL CONTROL
Sections:
6.04.010 Definitions.
6.04.020 Animal control program.
6.04.030 Rabies vaccinations.
6.04.040 Dog and cat licenses.
6.04.050 Public protection from dogs.
6.04.060 Prohibited conduct.
6.04.070 Protection of animals in motor vehicles.
6.04.080 Release from confinement.
6.04.090 Declaration of dangerous animal.
6.04.100 Dangerous animal permit requirements.
6.04.110 Revocation or modification of dangerous animal permit.
6.04.120 Possession of animals after revocation of dangerous animal permit.
6.04.130 Declaration of vicious animals.
6.04.140 Providing false information.
6.04.150 Administrative hearing procedures.
6.04.160 Animals to be impounded.
6.04.170 Stray animals.
6.04.180 Epidemics.
6.04.190 Bite reporting requirements.
6.04.200 Administrative citations.
6.04.210 Appeal of administrative citation.
6.04.220 Payment of administrative fines.
6.04.230 Amount of administrative fines.
6.04.240 Misdemeanor violations.
6.04.250 Violation of chapter a public nuisance—Remedies cumulative.
6.04.260 Service of documents and notices.
6.04.270 Field return fee.
6.04.280 Redemption and spay/neuter fee.
6.04.290 Quarantine fee.
6.04.350 Schedule of fees and charges.
6.04.400 Keeping of other animals prohibited.
6.04.410 Keeping of other animals permitted.
6.04.420 Severability.
6.04.010 Definitions.
The following words and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meaning set forth below:
“Animal control officer” means any person designated as the animal control program manager for the county, as well as the head of the county’s animal control contractor and their duly authorized officers or deputies. In the event the county has no animal control contractor to provide animal control officers, or in cases of emergency in which additional animal control officers are needed, “animal control officer(s)” may include persons so designated by the animal control manager.
“Animal control program” means that program established by the county and participating cities, and the program’s animal control contractor(s), if any, which contractor is specifically charged with regulating and enforcing laws dealing with animal control within the participating jurisdictions. “Animal control program” includes the licensing program.
“Animal control program manager” means that person employed by the county to oversee the animal control program or designee.
“Animal control shelter” means a San Mateo County facility operated by the county, or by another public entity, an accredited, tax-exempt humane nonprofit organization contracted with the county, or a for-profit business contracted with the county for the purpose of impounding, sheltering, adopting, or euthanizing seized, stray, distressed, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted animals.
“Caretaker” means any person eighteen years of age, or older, who has assumed responsibility for the care, custody, or control of an animal(s).
“County” means the county of San Mateo.
“Dangerous animal” means any animal, except a trained animal assisting a peace officer engaged in law enforcement duties, that constitutes a danger to persons or animals, and/or demonstrates any of the following behavior(s):
1. Behavior that results in bodily harm that is less serious than a “severe injury,” or constitutes a substantial threat of bodily harm to a person; or
2. An attack on another animal which results in an injury that is sufficient to require veterinary care even if not received.
An animal which has been declared by an out of this county jurisdiction as “potentially dangerous,” “dangerous,” “vicious,” or any other similar designation may be deemed a dangerous or vicious animal for the purposes of this chapter, as determined by an animal control officer.
“Health officer” means that person so designated by the county of San Mateo.
“Humane officer” means any person who is qualified and appointed pursuant to California Corporations Code Section 14502, and who is an employee of the county and designated as such by the county or an employee of a society for prevention of cruelty to animals or humane society that has contracted with the county of San Mateo to provide animal control services.
“Licensing program” means that program within San Mateo County health department, including, but not limited to, any county contractor specifically charged with regulating and selling animal licenses in the county of San Mateo.
“Owner” means any person eighteen years of age or older who:
1. Holds the license to the animal; or
2. If the animal is not licensed, is legally entitled to possession of the animal; or
3. Has exercised primary responsibility for the care of the animal for thirty or more consecutive calendar days.
“Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, organization, trade or professional association, firm, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, estate, or any other legal entity, and any officer, member, shareholder, director, employee, agent, or representative thereof.
“Service animal” means any animal defined as such by federal or state law.
“Severe injury” means any physical injury to a human caused by an animal attack that involves tooth derived muscle tears, disfiguring wounds or laceration(s), multiple bites requiring sutures, broken bones and/or requires corrective surgery.
“Vicious animal” means any animal, except a trained animal assisting a peace officer engaged in law enforcement duties, which meets any or all of the following criteria:
1. Any animal that, at the time of the attack, is already designated as a dangerous animal and/or is the subject of a dangerous animal permit, and which is found to have engaged in any of the following:
a. Behavior that results in bodily harm, or constitutes a substantial threat of bodily harm, to a person; or
b. An attack on another animal which results in an injury that is sufficient to require veterinary care, whether or not received.
2. Any animal that inflicts severe injury to or kills a person.
3. Any animal which cannot be safely maintained with a dangerous animal permit.
4. Any animal designated by another governmental jurisdiction as, “dangerous,” “vicious,” or any other similar designation, if that prior designation is based on behavior which would meet the definition of vicious animal under this chapter, as determined by an animal control officer. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.020 Animal control program.
A. The animal control program is responsible for the enforcement of this chapter. The duties of the animal control program shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Provide animal control, sheltering services, and a rabies control program to carry out and enforce all provisions of this chapter and California Health and Safety Code Section 121690, and keep such records as may be required by law or contract.
2. Enforce the provisions of this chapter and all applicable state and local laws relating to the care, treatment, and impounding of animals, and specifically to issue citations and to make arrests for violations of the provisions of this chapter and related state laws, to the extent authorized by law.
3. Impound animals found to be in violation of this chapter in the interest of protecting public health and safety.
4. Investigate animals pursuant to this chapter or applicable state law and, if deemed appropriate, designate any such animals as dangerous or vicious pursuant to this chapter.
5. Impound animals which are in imminent or ongoing danger, or which are in need of safekeeping in order to protect the health and safety of the animal.
6. Impound animals that are causing a threat to public safety.
7. Where authorized under the law, to enter upon any premises upon which any animal is kept in order to seize or impound of any animal if reasonable cause exists to believe that such animal is being kept or has behaved in violation of the provisions of this chapter.
8. To remove and dispose of the carcass of any animal(s) found on any public right-of-way, except freeways or other areas maintained by Caltrans.
9. Quarantine animals under the direction of the county health officer to ensure public health and safety.
10. Euthanize and/or dispose of animal(s) humanely and in accordance with the law.
11. Place for adoption, when appropriate, properly impounded animals if such animals are not redeemed after due notice to known owners in accordance with the law.
12. Provide and hold vaccination clinics in strategic locations throughout the county pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 121690.
13. Provide or make available at low cost spay/neuter surgeries to dogs, cats, and rabbits.
14. Provide for issuance of an animal license for a period not to exceed the term of the anti-rabies vaccination, as provided by state law.
15. To collect any fees or charges provided for in this chapter for the licensing, impounding and/or keeping of any animal, or for the enforcement of this chapter.
B. Animal control officers qualified under Penal Code Section 830.9, who are either employees of the county designated as such by the county, or employee(s) of and designated as such by a society for prevention of cruelty to animals or humane society which has contracted with the county to provide animal control services, shall have the authority to issue citations and/or notices to appear in court, and obtain and execute search warrants to the maximum extent allowed by law, for violations of state and local animal control laws. Animal control officers shall have the authority provided by state law including, but not limited to, that described by Penal Code Section 830.9. Animal control officers must complete Penal Code Section 832 training.
C. Those employees of a society for prevention of cruelty to animals or humane society under contract with the county to provide animal control services, who have been appointed and qualify as humane officers under California Corporations Code Section 14502, or its successor statute, shall have the authority to issue citations and/or notices to appear in court, and obtain and execute search warrants, to the maximum extent allowed by law, for violations of state and local animal control laws.
D. The county may contract for animal control services to be performed countywide, including within cities, provided agreement is made with the participating jurisdictions. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.030 Rabies vaccinations.
A. Every dog or cat owner shall ensure their animal is vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian in the manner prescribed or approved by state law and the state of California Department of Public Health, after the dog or cat attains the age of three months of age and/or within ten calendar days of acquiring an unvaccinated animal. This vaccination shall be obtained prior to issuing a license for the dog or cat. In addition, proof of vaccination shall be provided by the owner or veterinarian to the licensing program or the county’s animal control contractor.
B. Every veterinarian who vaccinates or causes or directs to be vaccinated in the county any dog, or cat with rabies vaccine shall certify that such animal has been vaccinated. Every veterinarian shall submit to the licensing authority a copy of the county-approved rabies vaccination form, within ten calendar days of the beginning of each month, for any dog or cat which they vaccinate or direct to be vaccinated with anti-rabies during the previous month. An animal control officer or animal licensing staff shall have the right to inspect records of rabies vaccinations during normal business hours.
C. Upon receipt of a written request from a licensed veterinarian to exempt a microchipped pet from receiving a one- or three-year vaccination, for medical reasons, the county health officer and/or designee shall review the basis for the request for exemption and approve or deny said request. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.040 Dog and cat licenses.
A. Licensing requirements for dogs and cats shall be as follows:
1. An annual license shall be obtained, and an annual license fee shall be paid by the owner for every dog or cat over the age of three months owned or kept in the city of Foster City. Said annual license fee shall be first due when the animal reaches three months of age or within sixty calendar days after the dog or cat is acquired, and due on the expiration date of the rabies vaccination and each year thereafter.
2. New residents shall have sixty calendar days in which to acquire such license.
3. Persons renewing their license shall have thirty calendar days following their due date before being found delinquent and assessed a late penalty.
4. The fee for such license shall be as set forth in Section 6.04.350. The fee paid for the licensing of altered dogs and cats shall be less than said license fee for unaltered cats or dogs upon presentation of the proper certification. The license fee paid by persons over the age of sixty shall be at a discount.
5. An owner may obtain a three-year license for a cat or dog by submitting to the licensing program adequate proof of a three-year rabies vaccination of the animal to be licensed and payment of the applicable fees, as set forth in Section 6.04.350.
6. Any person who fails to pay such license fee after said fee is due or said dog or cat is required to be licensed, in addition to paying any past due license fee(s), may also be required to pay a late fee in accordance with Section 6.04.350 or may receive an administrative citation.
7. A license shall be obtained, but no license fee shall be payable, by the owner of any dog being raised, trained or used as a service animal, or for dogs that have served as a member of the armed forces of the United States of America, or any dog used by a local law enforcement agency for the purposes of law enforcement.
8. Animals with microchip implants or other permanent identification acceptable to the animal control program are not exempt from the mandatory licensing requirements.
B. The licensing provisions in this chapter are not applicable to the following:
1. Dogs or cats used for diagnostic purposes or research, the use having been approved by the California State Department of Health Services pursuant to Section 1666 of the Health and Safety Code.
2. Dogs or cats used for teaching purposes in recognized educational institutions.
3. Dogs or cats owned by veterinarians licensed by the state and kept on the premises used by said veterinarians in their practice.
C. Tags for dogs and cats shall be issued as follows:
1. The licensing program shall procure and, when licensing fee is paid, issue a lifetime tag which shall bear the number of the license. A record shall be kept with the name of the owner together with a description of the dog or cat for which the license is issued and the number of the license, and a tag shall be provided to such person upon payment for such license as provided by this chapter.
2. Whenever a tag has been lost or stolen, the owner of the animal may request a duplicate tag upon payment of the required fee.
3. The owner of a licensed dog or cat shall affix such tag to a suitable collar, which collar shall remain on the dog or cat at all times.
4. When an animal has been designated as a service animal, the owner may obtain a lifetime service tag and shall be required to follow the requirements in Section 6.04.030(A). Said tag will replace a regular dog license.
5. The owner or operator of any kennel, animal breeding facility, pet shop, or any place or establishment where animals are sold, adopted, or given away shall keep a permanent record of the name, address, and phone number of the purchaser of any dog or cat, along with the breed, color, sex, and age of each animal sold, adopted, or given away and shall forward such information to animal control services within thirty calendar days thereafter. An animal control officer, county representative, or employee of the county’s animal control contractor shall have the right to inspect such records during normal business hours, with forty-eight hours’ prior notice to the owner or operator. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.050 Public protection from dogs.
A. No owner or possessor of a dog shall cause or allow such dog to bite, or physically threaten or harass any person unless necessary to protect the physical safety of a person.
B. Every owner or possessor of a dog shall prevent such dog from causing injury to another animal while such animal is lawfully upon public or private property. The failure of the owner of a victim animal to have the animal on a leash shall not, in itself, constitute a mitigating factor in any attack.
C. No owner or possessor of a dog shall command or provoke such dog to attack, sic or threaten a person unless such action is necessary to protect the physical safety of a person.
D. No owner or possessor of a dog that resides in another county and is found to have violated this section shall thereafter allow such dog to be brought into San Mateo County unless the dog is fully enclosed in a vehicle and passing through to another location without stopping at any public or private premises within the county. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.060 Prohibited conduct.
No owner or other person having care, custody or control of any animal shall cause or permit it to do any of following:
A. To be upon any public street, sidewalk, park, school ground, any public property, or upon any unenclosed premises in this jurisdiction unless:
1. The animal is properly licensed, if such licensing is necessary hereunder; and
2. The animal is controlled by a chain, lead rope, or leash, which is connected to the animal’s collar, saddle, harness, or halter. This latter requirement is not applicable to cats, or to service animals under the complete control of the owner or caretaker.
An electric or invisible fence does not constitute an enclosure for the purposes of this requirement.
B. To trespass upon any private property without the consent of the owner thereof, and to knowingly permit the animal to remain upon the property, or to habitually continue to trespass thereon.
C. To suffer or permit such animal to habitually bark or meow or otherwise act to disturb the peace of any citizen or to be a public nuisance.
D. To be without proper and adequate food, water, shelter, care, and attention.
E. No person shall possess within the city of Foster City any animal designated by another jurisdiction as “potentially dangerous,” “dangerous,” or “vicious,” or other designation based on the animal’s potential danger to humans and/or animals, without previously notifying animal control and receiving express written permission from the animal control manager for the animal’s presence or residence in the city of Foster City. A failure to receive prior permission is in itself a sufficient basis for an animal control officer or peace officer to seize and impound such animal.
F. Subsection (A)(2) of this section shall not be applicable to cats.
G. Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (A)(2) of this section, dogs are not required to be controlled by a chain, lead rope, or leash in the following circumstances:
1. When a dog is accompanied by a person reasonably competent to restrain and control the dog in the fenced dog park in Boat Park near the corner of Foster City Boulevard and Bounty Drive, so long as the person does not have more than three dogs.
2. Off-leash areas designated by the Foster City parks and recreation director at Catamaran, Edgewater, Boothbay, Farragut, and Sea Cloud Parks from five a.m. to eight a.m. on a daily basis and from five a.m. to nine a.m. in the off-leash areas designated by the parks and recreation director at Sea Cloud Park on Sunday only; and any other off-leash areas designated by the parks and recreation director pursuant to Chapter 12.36.
H. To permit a dog or cat to discharge such animal’s excreta on any public or private property other than the property of the owner of any dog or cat, if such owner, keeper or walker does not immediately thereafter remove and clean up such animal excreta from the public or private property. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.070 Protection of animals in motor vehicles.
A. No person shall leave or confine an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of said animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death of said animal.
B. An animal control officer, humane officer or peace officer may remove an animal from a motor vehicle if the animal’s safety reasonably appears to be in immediate danger from heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, lack of water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal. An animal control officer, humane officer or peace officer is authorized to take all steps that are necessary for the removal of such animal from the motor vehicle, including, but not limited to, breaking into the motor vehicle, after a reasonable effort has been made to locate the owner or other person responsible.
C. If an animal is removed from a motor vehicle as set forth herein, the removing officer shall, if deemed necessary by the officer, take it to an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or other place of safekeeping.
D. An animal control officer or peace officer who removes an animal from a motor vehicle shall, in a conspicuous location on or within the motor vehicle, leave written notice bearing their name and office, and the address of the location where the animal can be claimed. The animal may be released to the owner only after payment of all fees that have accrued for the maintenance, care, medical treatment, or impoundment of the animal.
E. Nothing in this section shall preclude prosecution under both this section and California Penal Code Section 597 or any other provision of state or local law. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.080 Release from confinement.
No person other than the owner or person authorized by the owner of the animal shall release any animal from any confinement, vehicle, or restraint unless such release is necessary for the immediate health and safety of the animal. This section shall not apply to animal control officers, humane officers, and/or peace officers. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.090 Declaration of dangerous animal.
A. No person shall knowingly keep, have, maintain, sell, trade, or let for hire an animal designated as dangerous under this chapter without obtaining a dangerous animal permit from the animal control officer. The animal owner shall comply with all conditions of the dangerous animal permit including, but not limited to, all requirements of Section 6.04.100. Any animal which is determined to be dangerous under this chapter and for which a permit has not been obtained shall be surrendered to an animal control officer, peace officer, or a county animal control contractor agency for appropriate disposition, which may include humane euthanasia.
B. In determining whether or not an animal shall be designated as dangerous, the animal control officer, peace officer, or hearing officer may consider any relevant facts and circumstances, including but not limited to:
1. The alleged attacking animal’s prior history.
2. The alleged attacking animal’s owner(s) ability to comply with this chapter, and/or compliance with any prior dangerous animal permits held by the alleged attacking animal’s owner(s).
3. Whether any of the animals involved were previously deemed by a governmental jurisdiction as “potentially dangerous,” “dangerous,” “vicious” or any other similar designation.
C. In determining whether or not an animal shall be designated as dangerous, the animal control officer, peace officer, or hearing officer may consider the following mitigating factors:
1. Whether at the time of the injury, attack or molestation, the person or animal suffering the injury, attack or molestation:
a. Provoked, tormented, teased, abused or assaulted the animal, thereby causing or contributing to the alleged behavior;
b. Committed a willful trespass or other tort upon the private property of the owner or caretaker of the animal in the presence of the animal;
c. Threatened or committed an unjustified attack or assault against the owner, caretaker or other person in control of the animal in the presence of the animal.
2. Any other mitigating factor relevant to whether the animal poses a threat to public health or safety. The failure of the owner or person in control of a victim animal to have the victim animal on a leash shall not, in itself, constitute a mitigating factor in any attack.
D. The unwillingness of a victim or a particular witness to testify at a hearing shall not prevent designation of an animal as a dangerous animal, as long as sufficient evidence exists to support the designation.
E. In the event that an animal control officer or peace officer determines it necessary to protect the health or safety of the public, or of any animal, they may immediately impound any animal according to the procedures set forth in this chapter.
F. If an animal control officer or peace officer has investigated and determined that an animal is dangerous, the animal control officer or peace officer shall deliver written notice of such determination to the owner of the animal pursuant to Section 6.04.260.
G. Should the owner of the animal wish to contest the dangerous animal designation, the owner may request a hearing, which hearing shall be conducted according to the procedures set forth in Section 6.04.150. The owner shall submit a written request for a dangerous animal hearing to the animal control officer within seven calendar days of the written notification by the animal control officer and/or peace officer that the animal has been declared dangerous.
1. Should the animal owner not submit a request for an administrative hearing within the required timeframe, the administrative hearing process shall be deemed waived, the dangerous animal designation will be final, and the animal owner shall obtain a dangerous animal permit within seven calendar days of the written notification that the animal has been declared dangerous.
2. If the animal owner requested a hearing and the hearing officer confirms the determination that the animal is dangerous, the owner must obtain the dangerous animal permit and meet the conditions required by such permit, within seven calendar days of notice of such decision, unless the time is extended by an animal control officer.
3. If an animal is designated as dangerous, but the owner fails to obtain a dangerous animal permit within the required timeframe, the animal will be deemed abandoned, and will be subject to disposition as deemed appropriate, including potential euthanasia by the county’s animal control contractor, at the discretion of the animal control officer, peace officer or city or county representative. If not already impounded, the animal will be promptly impounded. The owner of the animal shall be responsible for all costs of impoundment of the animal incurred prior to such abandonment.
H. If after investigation by an animal control officer or peace officer that officer determines that the animal is not dangerous, the victim or an owner of a victim animal may appeal that determination, within seven calendar days of notice of the decision given pursuant to Section 6.04.260, by submitting to the animal control officer or peace officer a written request for a hearing and paying the required fee. The animal control officer or peace officer shall prepare a written report documenting its reasons for determining the animal not dangerous and shall include evidence it has considered for and against the designation in its report. The hearing shall be conducted according to the procedures set forth in Section 6.04.150.
I. No animal designated by the county as a dangerous animal may be transferred to a new place of residence or to a new owner or caretaker without prior written approval of the animal control program manager. Prior to the relocation, a written request for the relocation must be delivered to the animal control program manager and the county’s animal control contractor, if any, at least thirty calendar days prior to the relocation.
J. If an animal control officer declares an animal as dangerous which has already been declared potentially dangerous or dangerous by another jurisdiction located outside of the county of San Mateo, the owner of such animal must obtain and comply with a dangerous animal permit at least seven calendar days prior to moving the animal into the county. The animal shall not reside in the county of San Mateo until the dangerous animal permit has been issued by the animal control program and the owner meets the conditions of said permit.
K. A permit issued under this section is subject to renewal annually. An annual inspection of the location where the animal resides will be performed by an animal control officer. Inspections may occur at any reasonable hour and will occur at least annually. The fee for such permit and inspection shall be as set forth in Section 6.04.350. Fees shall not be refundable. If the registered owner fails to pay the permit fee and/or comply with the requirements of the permit within ten calendar days of the annual inspection date, the permit may be revoked and the animal may be impounded for appropriate disposition, as determined by an animal control officer, peace officer, county contracted agency or city designee, including humane euthanasia.
L. A dangerous animal designation is a designation that remains with that animal for its lifetime, unless terminated as provided by this subsection. A dangerous animal designation may be terminated if all of the following criteria have been met, as determined by an animal control officer or peace officer and the animal control program manager and/or city designee:
1. The owner has complied with all dangerous animal permit requirements for a period of three years and the animal has not been found to have committed any violations of the requirements of the permit, or of this chapter, or any other applicable animal control laws, for the duration of that period.
2. The animal has remained current on all rabies or similar required vaccinations and has remained current on its licensing and paid all fees for the duration of the three-year period.
If an animal owner disputes a finding that the dangerous animal designation will not be terminated, the animal owner may request an administrative hearing to be held according to the procedures set forth in Section 6.04.150. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.100 Dangerous animal permit requirements.
A. Any owner of a dangerous animal shall ensure compliance with the following rules and regulations which shall be mandatory requirements for any dangerous animal permit:
1. When the animal is off the property of its owner, ensure that the animal is not kept upon any unenclosed premises unless said animal is leashed and muzzled with a cage or basket muzzle, or any other muzzle approved by the animal control officer. The leash shall not exceed four feet in length and having a minimum tensile strength of three hundred pounds and shall be under the direct control and supervision of the owner or a person of such age, size, and strength as can easily control such animal. Extraordinary care shall be taken by the owner and/or caretaker to ensure that such restraint is sufficient to control the animal in a manner which it will not endanger other persons or animals.
2. Ensure said animal is never kept on any unenclosed premises even if tethered, tied or staked.
3. Ensure said animal is kept in a fenced yard, kennel, dog run or other enclosure, sufficient to prevent the escape of the animal or entry of young children, as approved by the animal control officer or peace officer. An electric or invisible fence is not an acceptable means of enclosure for the purpose of this requirement.
4. Maintain the animal so that it is not a threat to any mail carrier, sanitation worker, meter person, or other person who has the lawful right to enter the property.
5. Ensure that all structures used to confine the animals are locked with a key or combination lock when such animals are within the fenced yard, kennel, run or enclosure.
6. Regularly inspect the fenced yard, kennel, dog run or enclosure to ensure that it is secure to maintain the animal and keep young children out.
7. Allow inspections by any animal control officer or peace officer at any reasonable hour of the premises or premises upon which the animal is maintained.
8. Pay permit and property inspection fees as set forth in Section 6.04.350 within ten calendar days of the permit issuance or renewal.
9. Obtain and post approved sign(s) from the animal control program after payment of a nonrefundable fee as set forth in Section 6.04.350. Sign(s) shall be conspicuously posted in a manner visible to the public at all entrances to the property where the animal is kept, warning persons of the presence of a dangerous animal as directed by the animal control officer or peace officer. Such sign(s) must be surrendered in the event of the revocation of the permit, death of animal, or approved relocation of the animal.
10. Advise all members who reside in the same household and on the same premises of the conditions established by the permit for keeping or maintaining said dangerous animal.
11. Ensure said animal wears, at all times, a separate dangerous animal tag issued by the animal control program in addition to complying with license requirements as defined in Section 6.04.040.
12. Ensure said animal be microchipped and inform the animal control officer with the microchip number within thirty calendar days from the date the dangerous animal permit was issued.
13. Within forty-five calendar days from the date the dangerous animal permit was issued, unless this period is extended by the animal control program manager or city representative at their sole discretion, said animal shall be spayed or neutered by a California licensed veterinarian, at owner expense, and within those forty-five days, the owner shall also present written proof to the animal control officer that the surgery was performed. In the event an animal cannot be safely altered, due to a medical reason, the owner shall present the animal control program manager and animal control officer with a written request from a California licensed veterinarian stating the medical reason(s) that the animal should not be altered. The county health officer or designee will approve or deny the request. If said request is denied, the animal shall be altered by a California licensed veterinarian within fifteen calendar days from the date of notification that the request was not approved, and within those fifteen calendars days provide such written proof to the animal control officer that the surgery was performed.
14. Notify an animal control officer and the animal control program manager of the animal’s death within twenty-four hours and produce the animal’s body for verification upon request.
15. Notify an animal control officer and the animal control program manager immediately in the event the animal becomes lost, stolen, or escapes from its fenced yard, kennel run, or enclosure.
16. Pay all reoccurring of additional fees within ten calendar days of service of the invoice or annual permit. Nonpayment of fee may result in the permit being revoked unless a payment plan has been approved by the county or city.
17. Comply with all other permit conditions or requirements imposed by an animal control officer, peace officer, or hearing officer pursuant to this chapter.
18. Comply with all local and state laws regarding the care, use, control, and maintenance of animals.
B. Any owner of a dangerous animal shall ensure compliance with the following additional requirements, if directed to do so by an animal control officer, peace officer and/or hearing officer:
1. Prove financial responsibility by posting a bond or certificate of insurance for an amount of three hundred thousand dollars per animal within thirty calendar days from the date of the dangerous designation. Bond or certificate of insurance will be provided to the animal control program manager annually prior to expiration of said bond or certificate.
2. Provide private behavioral and obedience training to the animal, at the owner’s expense and within the time set forth by the hearing officer or an animal control officer following the issuance of a dangerous animal permit. Proof of participation, a report of behavioral assessment, and/or a certificate of satisfactory completion from an animal behaviorist or organization approved by an animal control officer shall be provided to the animal control officer and animal control program manager within seven calendar days following the completion of the mandatory training, but not more than ninety calendar days from the date of the dangerous designation.
3. Comply with any other permit requirements determined to be reasonably necessary to protect the public’s health or safety and/or the health or safety of other animals.
C. No more than two dangerous animals may be kept by any person(s) at any one household, residence, business, or other location, without prior written approval of the designee of the appropriate jurisdiction. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.110 Revocation or modification of dangerous animal permit.
A. Any dangerous animal permit issued pursuant to this chapter may be revoked or modified by the inclusion of additional requirements or otherwise, if the animal control officer or peace officer has reasonable cause to believe any of the following to be true:
1. The dangerous animal owner or any person to whom the owner has given care, custody, or control of the animal has violated any local or state laws relating to the keeping, care or use of any animals.
2. The owner or any person to whom the owner has given care, custody, or control of the animal has violated any dangerous animal permit conditions, or any requirement imposed by the animal control officer, peace officer, or hearing officer.
3. The owner or any person to whom the owner has given care, custody, or control changed the location of his/her residence or his/her place of business or sells, assigns, transfers, donates, leases, or otherwise disposes of the animal for which the permit was issued without first notifying an animal control officer as outlined in Section 6.04.090.
4. The owner or any person to whom the owner has given care, custody or control of the animal has changed the residence or premises where the animal is maintained without first complying with the guidelines set forth in Section 6.04.090.
5. The owner or any person to whom the owner has given care, custody, or control of the animal is unable or unwilling to comply with the conditions of the dangerous animal permit.
B. In the event that it is reasonably necessary to protect the public or an animal’s health and safety, the animal control officer or peace officer may impound or cause to be impounded the animal while an investigation is taking place.
C. If, after investigation, the animal control officer or peace officer concludes that there is probable cause to believe that one or more of the above conditions for revocation or modification of the permit has occurred, the officer shall deliver written notice of revocation or modification to the owner. Said notice shall specify the grounds of revocation or modification of the permit. Should the owner of the animal wish to contest the revocation or modification of the permit, the owner may request an administrative hearing to be held before a hearing officer, as designated by the animal control program manager, within seven calendar days of receiving the notice of revocation. Said administrative hearing date shall be not less than seven calendar days or no more than twenty calendar days after the date the request for hearing is received by the animal control manager. The administrative hearing shall be conducted as set forth in Section 6.04.150. The hearing officer conducting the hearing may either modify the terms of the permit or revoke the permit.
Any party to the hearing has the right to appeal the administrative hearing decision to the San Mateo County superior court by filing a petition for a writ of administrative mandate pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1094.5 and 1094.6.
D. Upon written notice by the animal control officer, peace officer, or hearing officer, if a hearing was held, if any modifications to a dangerous animal permit are made, the owner shall immediately comply with such modified permit requirements.
E. Upon written notice from an animal control officer, peace officer or hearing officer of the revocation of a dangerous animal permit, the owner of such animal shall, within two calendar days of such notification, surrender said animal to an animal control officer. The dangerous animal shall be impounded and humanely euthanized unless the county designee or city designee has approved a different disposition. At the sole discretion of the appropriate city or county representative, such animal may be permanently removed from the county of San Mateo to another jurisdiction with written approval from that jurisdiction. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.120 Possession of animals after revocation of dangerous animal permit.
No person who has been determined to be in possession of or had ownership of a dangerous animal for which a permit has been revoked under this chapter shall be granted any dangerous animal permit for a period of three years following such determination or revocation. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.130 Declaration of vicious animals.
A. No person shall keep, have, maintain, sell, trade, or let for hire an animal which has been designated as vicious under the provisions of this chapter.
B. If an animal control officer and/or peace officer has investigated and determined that an animal is vicious, the animal control officer or peace officer shall deliver written notice of such determination to the owner of the animal. Service of notice shall be made in accordance with Section 6.04.260(A). An animal control officer and/or peace officer shall immediately impound the animal, or cause to be impounded, the animal according to the procedures set forth in Section 6.04.160. The animal shall be deemed abandoned and shall be humanely euthanized unless the county designee or city designee has approved a different disposition or unless the owner timely requests an administrative hearing.
C. In determining whether an animal shall be designated vicious, in addition to any other facts and circumstances of the incident(s), the applicable decision-maker may consider the following potentially mitigating factors:
1. Whether, at the time of the injury, attack or molestation, the person or animal suffering the injury, attack, or molestation:
a. Provoked, tormented, teased, abused, or assaulted the animal, thereby causing or contributing to the alleged behavior;
b. Committed a willful trespass or other tort upon the private property of the owner or caretaker of the animal; and/or
c. Threatened or committed an unjustified attack or assault against the owner, caretaker, or other person in control of the charged animal.
The failure of the owner or other person in control of a victim animal to have the animal on a leash shall not, in itself, constitute a mitigating factor in any attack.
2. Whether the owner is willing and able to comply with the conditions of a dangerous animal permit, and whether the animal can be safely maintained on a dangerous animal permit considering the nature of the attack and cooperativeness and abilities of the owner.
D. The decision-maker may also consider, among any other relevant facts and circumstances, the following factors:
1. Whether any of the animals involved were previously deemed by any governmental jurisdiction as “dangerous,” “vicious,” or any other similar designation, and/or the animal owner’s prior compliance or lack thereof with any applicable dangerous animal permit requirements of this chapter;
2. The attacking animal’s history of attacks, bites or threatening behavior;
3. Whether the animal demonstrated such aggressive behavior that it is reasonable to conclude that the animal cannot be safely maintained with a dangerous animal permit; and
4. Whether the owner is unable or unwilling to comply with the conditions of a dangerous animal permit.
E. Should the owner of the animal wish to contest the vicious animal designation, the owner may request an administrative hearing to be conducted according to the procedures set forth in Section 6.04.150. The owner shall submit a written request for a vicious animal hearing to the animal control officer within seven calendar days of the written notification by the animal control officer and/or peace officer that the animal has been declared vicious.
F. Should the owner not submit a request for an administrative hearing within the required timeframe, the administrative hearing process shall be deemed waived, the vicious animal designation will be considered final for purposes of exhaustion of administrative remedies, and the animal will be subject to disposition by the animal control officer, peace officer, or city or county designee. The owner shall lose all rights of ownership and control of the animal, and the animal will be subject to humane euthanasia, unless another disposition is deemed appropriate by a city and/or county designee, without further notice to the owner.
G. The unwillingness of a victim or a particular witness to testify at a hearing shall not prevent designation of an animal as vicious as long as sufficient evidence exists to support the designation.
H. If, after investigation, an animal control officer and/or peace officer determines that the animal is not vicious, the officer will prepare a written decision upon request by any victim suffering physical injury or an owner of a victim animal, either of whom may appeal that determination. Any victim suffering physical injury as a result of the attack, or owner of a victim animal, may appeal the determination that an animal is not vicious by submitting, within seven calendar days of the service of the decision pursuant to Section 6.04.260, a written request to the animal control officer for an administrative hearing and paying the required fee as set forth in Section 6.04.350. The administrative hearing shall be conducted according to the procedures set forth in Section 6.04.150. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.140 Providing false information.
It shall be unlawful for a person to willfully and knowingly provide false or misleading information to animal control program staff, including but not limited to an animal control officer, peace officer, animal control program manager, and/or hearing officer regarding animal ownership, licensing, rabies vaccination, medical treatment and condition, and/or any other matter pertaining to the enforcement of state or local law. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.150 Administrative hearing procedures.
A. Administrative hearings held under this chapter shall be conducted by a hearing officer or designated representative appointed by the director or designee of the San Mateo County health department. Any city contracting with the county for animal control services may elect to utilize the services of any San Mateo County designated hearing officer to conduct hearings on behalf of the city pursuant to that city’s animal control ordinances. The hearings shall be scheduled no less than seven calendar days and no more than fifteen calendar days from the receipt of the request for the hearing unless the hearing officer finds good cause for continuance.
B. The animal control officer or peace officer conducting the investigation shall provide their investigation report and any evidence gathered by the officer to the animal control program manager or designee no less than seventy-two hours prior to said administrative hearing. The animal control program manager or designee will promptly provide the report to the parties to the case, including the owner of the subject dog and the owner of the victim dog.
C. The administrative hearing shall be conducted in an informal manner consistent with due process of law. Any party may be represented by counsel. The parties may present relevant evidence including witnesses. The strict rules of evidence shall not be applicable. Any relevant evidence, including but not limited to hearsay evidence, may be admitted if it is the sort of evidence on which reasonable persons are accustomed to rely on in the conduct of serious affairs. The hearing officer shall decide the matter based on preponderance of the evidence presented at the hearing. The administrative hearing shall be recorded, and all documentary evidence submitted at the administrative hearing shall be preserved by the animal control program manager for a period of no less than two years. Any party may arrange for a court reporter to be present. Any party desiring the presence of a court reporter shall make all necessary arrangements and shall be responsible for payment of all costs.
D. The hearing officer may exclude disorderly or disruptive persons from the hearing or make other orders as necessary to ensure the fair and orderly conduct of the administrative hearing.
E. The hearing officer may decide all issues for or against the owner(s) of the involved animal(s) even if the owner(s) fail to appear at the hearing.
F. Within seven calendar days of the administrative hearing, the hearing officer shall render a written decision, which shall be final for the purposes of exhaustion of administrative remedies upon the date of mailing. The animal control program manager or designee shall mail the written decision and affidavit/certificate of mailing showing the date of mailing, on behalf of the hearing officer, by first class mail, postage prepaid. The decision will be mailed to the owner of the alleged dangerous or vicious animal, the victim or owner of the victim animal, and the investigating animal control officer or peace officer.
G. If the animal is designated dangerous, the owner must apply for and obtain a dangerous animal permit as provided by this chapter within seven calendar days of the decision letter in order to maintain the animal and the owner must comply with all mandatory dangerous animal permit rules and regulations as defined in Section 6.04.120. A hearing officer may impose additional permit requirements as set forth in this chapter.
H. If the animal is designated vicious, the owner of such animal shall lose all rights of ownership and control of the animal, and the animal will be subject to humane euthanasia, unless another disposition is deemed appropriate by a city and/or county designee, without further notice to the owner. An animal designated as vicious will be held at the animal shelter for a minimum of seven calendar days from the date of the hearing officer’s decision, prior to any proposed euthanasia.
I. Unless the hearing officer for good cause otherwise determines, the party requesting the administrative hearing is liable for all costs related to such hearing. A determination by the hearing officer that the animal is not dangerous or vicious shall constitute good cause.
J. Hearing officer decisions are appealable to the San Mateo County superior court by filing a petition for writ of administrative mandate pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1094.5 and 1094.6.
K. The procedures and/or definitions pertaining to potentially dangerous and vicious dogs set forth in the California Food and Agricultural Code Chapter 9, beginning with Section 31601, are not adopted and do not apply within San Mateo County. As authorized by Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683, the county has adopted its own program for regulation of dangerous and vicious dogs as contained in this chapter. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.160 Animals to be impounded.
A. The animal control program may impound any animal kept or found under conditions that constitute a violation of this chapter or other state or local law. The animal’s owner shall be responsible for all costs incurred or fees applicable with respect to such impoundment and maintenance in the shelter.
B. An animal control officer or peace officer may impound or cause to be impounded an animal when there is reasonable cause to believe that such animal posed, or poses, a threat to the public’s health and safety, or the health and safety of another animal. The animal may remain impounded for a period not to exceed fifteen calendar days in order to investigate, and to determine whether or not said animal is dangerous or vicious as defined by this chapter. In calculating the fifteen calendar days, the first day of impoundment is not included. If an animal is not impounded within fifteen calendar days after an investigation began, the animal control officer or peace officer shall make a determination whether or not the animal is vicious or dangerous and shall notify the owner of said animal as soon as reasonably practical thereafter.
C. Within twenty-four hours of the impoundment of any animal, the impounding animal control officer shall serve the owner of the animal with notice of the impoundment.
D. No impounded animal may be redeemed unless and until any required license fee and/or other applicable charges and fees have been paid. In the event such animal is not redeemed within the time set forth by state law, it shall be deemed abandoned and may be adopted, transferred to a rescue, or disposed of in the manner determined by the animal control program. The animal control program shall issue to the owner or person responsible of the care, custody, and control of said animal a receipt showing an itemized description and the amount of the fee(s) paid.
E. The animal control program shall keep a record of all animals impounded, which record shall include a description of the animal, the date of its receipt, the date and manner of disposal, the name of the person redeeming, adopting, or purchasing, the fees, and/or charges related to the animal. Said records shall be kept for a period of seven years. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.170 Stray animals.
Any person who finds or picks up a stray or lost animal shall report the same to the animal control shelter within twenty-four hours thereafter and shall release such animal to the animal control shelter upon demand. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.180 Epidemics.
The San Mateo County health officer may determine and declare that rabies or other contagious diseases are epidemic or that other health and safety hazards exist among dogs or other animals within the county. Upon the making of such a declaration, the health officer shall prepare and promulgate such orders, rules, and regulations as are necessary for appropriate control of all the animals concerned within the county. Said rules and regulations of the health officer may include, but are not limited to, impoundment, quarantine, vaccination, or destruction. It shall be the duty of the animal control officers to assist the health officer in carrying out such rules and regulations. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.190 Bite reporting requirements.
A. Any owner or other person who is responsible for the care, custody, or control of an animal that bites a human or other animal shall provide their name and current residence address and telephone number and shall present their driver’s license or other form of identification and any information regarding any rabies vaccination for the biting animal to the person bitten or the owner of the animal bitten. If the person bitten is a minor, the owner or person in control of the biting animal shall provide the required information to the parent or guardian of the minor.
B. In addition to the above requirements, it shall be the duty of any person having knowledge of any animal which has bitten a human being or other animal within the county to immediately, in no case later than the end of the next calendar day, report the bite to an animal control officer or peace officer and to furnish as much information as possible, including date, time and location of bite, description of animal or person bitten, name and license number of the biting animal, and rabies vaccination history of the biting animal. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.200 Administrative citations.
A. Should an animal control officer, humane officer or peace officer determine that a person has violated any provision of this chapter, that enforcement officer shall have authority to issue and serve notice of an administrative citation as set forth in Section 6.04.260 to the person violating the chapter.
B. Each administrative citation shall contain the following information:
1. The name and address of the owner or other person to be cited.
2. The date(s) of the violation.
3. The address or a specific description of the location where the violation occurred.
4. The section, subsection, and/or provision of this chapter violated by the person cited and a description of that violation.
5. A prohibition of the continuation or repetition of the violation described in the administrative citation.
6. If applicable a description of the potential consequence(s) should the violation continue or be repeated.
7. Either:
a. The amount of the administrative fine charged and to be paid by the person cited as a result of the violation; or
b. A notice to correct a certain violation within a reasonable time, and the amount of an administrative fine that may occur if the violation is not corrected or remedied by the date specified.
8. A description of the procedure to pay the fine, to include the time period for and place of payment, and the process by which the county may collect any unpaid amount owed.
9. A description of the administrative citation review process, including the time within which the administrative citation may be appealed and how to appeal the administrative citation, including any form to do so.
10. The name and signature of the citing animal control officer, humane officer or peace officer or county designee.
C. An administrative citation may be any format, including letter, which conveys the information set forth above. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.210 Appeal of administrative citation.
A. A recipient of an administrative citation may contest the citation including, but not limited to, on the basis that the underlying violation did not occur, or that recipient is not the party responsible for the violation and thus was the improper recipient of the administrative citation. The recipient must contest the citation on the form provided by the animal program manager or animal control officer and file the appeal with the animal control program manager within twelve calendar days from the date of service of the administrative citation. Any appeal not timely filed will be rejected.
B. The appeal shall contain the following provided by the person appealing the citation:
1. The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the party requesting the appeal;
2. A copy of the administrative citation or a reference number thereto;
3. A statement of the grounds for the contest, including a description of the evidence to be presented in support of the contest and copies of any statements or documents to be submitted at the hearing in support of the appeal;
4. The signature of the appealing party;
5. A deposit of the fine assessed as set forth in the citation(s), to be refunded if the appeal is successful.
C. Should an appeal be properly and timely requested, the requesting party shall be provided a hearing before a hearing officer to be held pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 6.04.150 as applicable. The animal control program shall notify the person requesting the appeal hearing of the time and place set for the hearing pursuant to Section 6.04.260. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.220 Payment of administrative fines.
A. In the absence of an appeal by the recipient of the administrative citation, the person cited shall pay the administrative fine in full within thirty calendar days from the date of service of the notice of citation. In the event of an appeal, after which the violation is upheld, if not already paid, the fine shall be paid in full within ten calendar days after the date that the decision of the hearing officer was served on the recipient.
B. Payment of any fine shall not excuse the failure to correct the violation, nor shall it bar further enforcement of the same or any similar violation or any other violation by any applicable means.
C. Failure to pay any fines assessed within the guidelines set forth in this chapter will result in a late charge pursuant to Section 6.04.230, which will be collected by the animal control program manager. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.230 Amount of administrative fines.
Any person issued an administrative citation for a violation of, and pursuant to, this chapter shall be assessed and pay a fine as follows:
A. One hundred dollars for a first citation.
B. Two hundred dollars for a second citation for the same violation within a one-year period.
C. Five hundred dollars for each additional citation for the same violation within a one-year period. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.240 Misdemeanor violations.
A. A person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction except as otherwise specifically provided.
B. A person violating any provision of Section 6.04.050, 6.04.090(A) or 6.04.130(A) shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
C. This section shall not limit any other available criminal, civil or administrative remedies. Any or all applicable remedies shall remain available for violation of the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.250 Violation of chapter a public nuisance—Remedies cumulative.
A. Violation of this chapter is a public nuisance subject to any and all applicable civil, administrative, and criminal remedies, according to the provisions and procedures set forth in this chapter and other applicable state and local law.
B. This section is not intended to limit any other available criminal, civil or administrative remedies. Any or all applicable administrative, civil and /or criminal remedies shall be available for violation of the provisions of this chapter.
C. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.260 Service of documents and notices.
A. Unless otherwise specified herein, the appropriate representative of the animal control program shall provide any required notice or service of documents in the one of the following manners: (1) by personal delivery to the person to be notified or served; or (2) by posting on the property at the address where the subject animal is licensed or the owner of such animal resides; or (3) by depositing in the United States Mail, in a sealed envelope, first class postage prepaid, and addressed to such person to be notified or served at their last-known business or residence address or as the same appears in the last equalized county assessment roll. Service by mail shall be deemed complete at the time of deposit in the United States Mail receptacle and shall include a declaration or affidavit of service which shall include notice of the date mailed. If agreed in writing by the person to be served, notices or documents may be served electronically at the address provided by the person to be served, to be effective upon being sent.
B. Failure to receive any notice specified herein does not affect the validity of proceedings conducted hereunder. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.270 Field return fee.
A fee shall be charged for any animal impounded by a representative of the animal control program and returned by an animal control officer in the field to the owner or person who is responsible for the care, custody, or control of the animal. The fee charged shall be paid by the owner or person who is responsible for the care, custody, or control of said animal. Such fee shall be set forth in Section 6.04.350. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.280 Redemption and spay/neuter fee.
A. Upon redemption of any impounded unaltered animal, the person responsible for the care, custody or control of any animal will be required to pay a spay or neuter fee in the amount of one hundred dollars in addition to the impound fees imposed under Section 6.04.350. Such fee shall be refundable upon proof of spay and neuter of the animal within thirty calendar days following the date of redemption.
B. Any unaltered animal impounded twice or more within a three-year period shall be altered at a cost to be paid by the owner/caretaker or person responsible for the care, custody, or control of said animal prior to redemption. At the option of the owner/caretaker or person responsible for the care, custody, or control of said animal, required spaying or neutering may be performed by a private veterinarian within thirty calendar days.
C. Any owner or caretaker of an impounded animal subject to mandatory spay/neuter under subsection B of this section may appeal this requirement by submitting a written request for an administrative hearing to the animal control program manager. The administrative hearing will be conducted according to the provisions of Section 6.04.150.
D. The animal control program manager may waive any county or city fee for county or city spay/neuter, vaccination or impoundment of an animal if the animal is a feral or stray cat and the person bringing the animal to the shelter agrees that the person shall have no rights in the animal or any right to direct or control treatment or disposition of the animal by the animal control program which will retain sole discretion in determining the disposition of the animal, which may include but not be limited to treatment and/or adoption, or euthanasia. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.290 Quarantine fee.
A quarantine fee, as set forth in Section 6.04.350, shall be paid by the owner or caretaker of any animal involved, or potentially involved, in a bite. Such quarantine fee is in addition to any other fees charged set forth in Section 6.04.350 to recover costs incurred by the animal control program for the sheltering and caring for the quarantined animal. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.350 Schedule of fees and charges.
This section sets forth the fees for the animal control program and licensing program. No animal shall be released to its owner, or other person responsible for the care, custody, or control of the animal, unless applicable fees have been paid.
Animal control and licensing fees and charges established by this code are as follows:
A. License Fees.
|
Dogs |
|
|
Unaltered dog |
|
|
1-year license |
$55.00 |
|
3-year license |
$160.00 |
|
Unaltered dog—Senior pet owner (over 60 yrs.) |
|
|
1-year license |
$23.00 |
|
3-year license |
$64.00 |
|
Altered dog |
|
|
1-year license |
$25.00 |
|
3-year license |
$70.00 |
|
Altered dog—Senior pet owner (over 60 yrs.) |
|
|
1-year license |
$10.00 |
|
3-year license |
$25.00 |
|
Misc. dog fees |
|
|
Late fee |
$20.00 |
|
Duplicate tag |
$10.00 |
|
Cats |
|
|
Unaltered cat |
|
|
1-year license |
$20.00 |
|
3-year license |
$55.00 |
|
Unaltered cat—Senior pet owner (over 60 yrs.) |
|
|
1-year license |
$12.00 |
|
3-year license |
$31.00 |
|
Altered cat |
|
|
1-year license |
$8.00 |
|
3-year license |
$19.00 |
|
Altered cat—Senior pet owner (over 60 yrs.) |
|
|
1-year license |
$5.00 |
|
3-year license |
$12.00 |
|
Misc. cat fees |
|
|
Late fee |
$7.00 |
|
Duplicate tag |
$5.00 |
B. Redemption Charges.
|
Types A and B (large or medium size animals—horses, cows, hogs, sheep, etc.) |
|
|
Impound cost |
$100.00 |
|
Board cost per day |
$30.00 |
|
Trailering cost (per use) |
$100.00 |
|
Type C (dogs, and cats) |
|
|
Impound costs—First impound |
|
|
Altered—licensed, wearing tag |
$40.00 |
|
Unaltered—licensed, wearing tag |
$65.00 |
|
Altered—unlicensed, no tag |
$55.00 |
|
Unaltered—unlicensed, no tag |
$85.00 |
|
Impound costs—Second impound |
|
|
Altered—licensed, wearing tag |
$90.00 |
|
Unaltered—licensed, wearing tag |
$125.00 |
|
Altered—unlicensed, no tag |
$105.00 |
|
Unaltered—unlicensed, no tag |
$140.00 |
|
Impound costs—Third impound |
|
|
Altered—licensed, wearing tag |
$135.00 |
|
Unaltered—licensed, wearing tag |
$155.00 |
|
Altered—unlicensed, no tag |
$155.00 |
|
Unaltered—unlicensed, no tag |
$180.00 |
|
Impound costs—Fourth impound |
|
|
Altered—licensed, wearing tag |
$180.00 |
|
Unaltered—licensed, wearing tag |
$215.00 |
|
Altered—unlicensed, no tag |
$200.00 |
|
Unaltered—unlicensed, no tag |
$240.00 |
|
Impound costs—Fifth impound and up |
|
|
Altered—licensed, wearing tag |
$225.00 |
|
Unaltered—licensed, wearing tag |
$260.00 |
|
Altered—unlicensed, no tag |
$245.00 |
|
Unaltered—unlicensed, no tag |
$285.00 |
|
Board charges (per day) |
|
|
Altered—dogs |
$25.00 |
|
Unaltered—dogs |
$35.00 |
|
Altered—cats |
$16.00 |
|
Unaltered—cats |
$22.00 |
|
Type D (small size animals, e.g., birds, hamsters, or other) |
|
|
Impound cost |
$20.00 |
|
Board cost |
$10.00 |
C. Surrender, Euthanasia and DOA (Dead on Arrival) Disposal Fees.
|
Dog—Licensed or unlicensed |
|
|
|
Surrender |
$60.00 |
|
|
Euthanasia |
$50.00 |
|
|
DOA disposal |
$30.00 |
|
|
Cat—Licensed or unlicensed |
|
|
|
Surrender |
$60.00 |
|
|
Euthanasia |
$50.00 |
|
|
DOA disposal |
$30.00 |
|
|
Rabbit/small animal |
|
|
|
Surrender |
$40.00 |
|
|
Euthanasia |
$30.00 |
|
|
DOA disposal |
$15.00 |
|
|
Litter of three or more |
|
|
|
Surrender |
$50.00 |
|
|
Euthanasia |
$40.00 |
|
|
DOA disposal |
$20.00 |
|
|
Bird/fowl |
|
|
|
Surrender |
$20.00 |
|
|
Euthanasia |
$15.00 |
|
|
DOA disposal |
$20.00 |
|
|
All other companion animals (reptiles, amphibians, etc.) |
|
|
|
Surrender |
$25.00 |
|
|
Euthanasia |
$25.00 |
|
|
DOA disposal |
$20.00 |
|
|
Farm animals |
|
|
|
Surrender |
$60.00 |
|
|
Euthanasia: |
Under 100 pounds |
$60.00 |
|
|
Over 100 pounds |
$125.00 |
|
DOA disposal: |
Under 100 pounds |
$30.00 |
|
|
Over 100 pounds |
$100.00 |
D. Other Animal Control Fees.
|
Quarantine fee |
$60.00 |
|
Dangerous animal permit (DAP) fee |
$300.00 |
|
DAP inspection fee |
$100.00 |
|
DAP signage |
$15.00 |
|
Field retrieval/return fee |
$40.00 |
|
Breeding permit fee |
$150.00 |
|
Fancier permit and/or exotic pet fee |
$100.00 |
|
Return check fee |
$25.00 |
|
Service dog application processing fee |
$50.00 |
E. Miscellaneous Fee Provisions.
1. The animal control program, and/or licensing program, may establish license discounts for recognized animal rescue organizations.
2. License fees include a one-dollar annual surcharge on all licenses for the animal population trust fund.
3. At the discretion of the animal control program manager, a payment plan for all fees outstanding may be permitted upon a showing of good cause. If a person is in compliance with an agreed upon payment plan, their outstanding balance shall never be considered “nonpayment” as that term is used in this chapter.
4. The animal control fees for any animal related service not specified in this section shall be reviewed by the chief of health or their designee for reimbursement of costs. The chief of health or their designee shall have the authority to determine the fee charged for said services. The fee charged shall be paid by the owner or caretaker of the animal(s) for which said service(s) have been provided.
5. Each calendar year, the animal control program manager shall designate one month as an amnesty period for payment of cat and dog license late fees and for compliance with Section 6.04.020, as provided herein. During the amnesty period, applicants for cat and dog licenses shall not be assessed any late penalty fee or any other penalty for failure to obtain such license or pay any applicable license fee, notwithstanding Sections 6.04.040 and 6.04.350.
6. All revenue derived from the fees, fines, forfeitures, and penalties related to the enforcement of this chapter shall be used to offset the cost of enforcement and administration of this chapter.
7. If the animal control program manager determines that payment of any fees by the owner or caretaker for an impounded animal would cause extreme financial difficulty to the owner or caretaker, and that it is in the best interests of the county to allow release of the animal upon these terms, the animal control program manager may, at their discretion, set up a payment plan or waive all or part of the fees incurred for the animal. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.400 Keeping of other animals prohibited.
It is unlawful to keep any of the following:
A. Any fowl, reptile or animal which normally lives in a wild habitat and is a curiosity to the local community, whether wild or domesticated at the time of its keeping; or
B. Domestic fowl. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.410 Keeping of other animals permitted.
The following animals may be kept:
A. Not more than two dogs and two cats of more than six months of age subject to the licensing requirements of this chapter;
B. The offspring of dogs and cats of the household up to the age of six months;
C. Other household pets, which are not prohibited by Section 6.04.400; and
D. Beehives for the noncommercial keeping of bees. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)
6.04.420 Severability.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this chapter should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality thereof shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section, subsection, clause, phrase, or word of this chapter. (Ord. 675 § 1, 2024)