It is the responsibility of every animal owner to be aware of and know Federal and State laws as well as local ordinances as they pertain to animals under their care.
Please consult the appropriate Federal, State, County and City web sites for current animal laws and ordinances. Questions pertaining to specific statues should be directed to the agencies having authority of a particular law or ordinance.
Information contained on this web site is intended to provide general guidelines.
Animal Abandonment Anyone
who willfully abandons an animal is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable
by a fine of $1000 and up to 6 months in jail. (CA Penal Code Section
597s.)
Barking Dogs Any
pet owner or custodian who allows a dog to bark continuously or for an
extended period of time in a manner that annoys the neighbors and
disturbs the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood may be guilty of
allowing a public nuisance and punishable by a misdemeanor.
Dangerous Dogs Dogs
that pose a danger to public safety may have restrictions placed on
their continued ownership in the interest of public safety. In extreme
circumstances, a dog determined to be vicious may be ordered destroyed.
Defecation Anyone
walking a dog on any property other than their own must carry a
suitable bag or container for the purposes of removing feces and to
immediately remove any feces once deposited by their dog.
Dogs in Open Vehicles California
requires any animal transported in the back of a vehicle in a space
intended for any load on the highways to be either (1) cross tethered
to the vehicle or (2) protected by a secured container or cage, to
prevent the animal from falling, jumping, or being thrown from the
vehicle (Cal. Vehicle Code § 23117). The animal does not have to be
restrained if it is in an enclosed space in the vehicle or in a vehicle
that has side and tail racks at least 46 inches high. The law does not
apply to livestock or a dog that is transported for a ranching or
farming purpose. A violation is punishable by a fine for
the first offense and higher fines for a subsequent offense if it occurs
within one year of the prior infraction (Cal. Vehicle Code § 42001.4).
Exercise Working
animals shall be given adequate rest periods. Confined or restrained
animals shall be given exercise appropriate for the individual animals
under particular conditions. Food and Water Animals shall be provided with wholesome food and have potable water that is free from debris and readily accessible. Anyone who fails to provide adequate food and water to their animal is guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony and may be fined. Inhumane Treatment Penal
Code Sec. 597 prohibits the
abuse, mistreatment, or torture of any animal or subjecting any animal
to needless suffering. These laws provide that no animal may be
deprived of proper food, water, or shelter. Violation of these laws can
result in criminal charges, up to and including felony charges. Please
report any case of inhumane animal treatment.
Leash Laws It is
not permissible to let your dog run at large on any streets, public
places, or private property belonging to anyone other than you, day or
night, with or without a license.
Yearly Liscensing Requirement All dogs
or cats over the age of 4 months, or within 10 days of entering the
jurisdiction, must be licensed annually and a tag must be securely
affixed to the collar of the animal.
Animal Limits Some cities have limits on the number of specific animals that may be kept within the city limits.
Microchips A microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that's about the size as a grain of rice. The microchip itself does not
have a battery, it's activated by a scanner that's passed over the
area. The
chip transmits the identification number to the scanner, which displays
the number on the screen. Microchips help reunite pets with their owners.
Providing Adequate Food and Water Animals shall be provided with wholesome food and have potable water that is free from debris and readily accessible. Anyone who fails to provide adequate food and water to their animal is guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony and may be fined. Providing Proper Shelter Anyone
who fails to provide proper shelter or protection from the weather for
their animal is guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony and may be fined.
Public Nuisance Any animal
that harasses passerby or vehicles, attacks other animals, is
repeatedly at large, continuously barks, or trespasses on school, public
property, or private property will be considered a public nuisance. It
is a misdemeanor to continue to allow your animal to remain a public
nuisance.
Spay/Neuter There is no law that requires spaying and neutering. However, it is a great and cost effective way to keep your pet healthy. Solano County SPCA offers a low cost spay/neuter clinic. You can contact them at 707-448-7722 or visit their website at www.solanospca.com.
Strays Any person
taking up any stray domestic animal found running at large must notify
the Department within four hours that they have the animal in their
possession, provide a description of the animal, provide the location
where the animal is being kept, and surrender the animal if demanded by the appropriate agency.
Tethering No person
shall tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain a dog to a dog house,
tree, fence, or any other stationary object for more than three hours in
a 24-hour period. Violation is an infraction or misdemeanor and is
punishable by a fine or six months in jail or both.
Vaccination Requirements Rabies
vaccinations are required for all dogs and cats 4 months of age or
older. Failure to comply may result in a citation and a court
appearance. Vaccinations must be valid for the entire licensing period.
Vehicles, Animals Inside No person
shall leave or confine an animal in an unattended motor vehicle under
conditions that endanger the health or well-being of the animal.
Veterinary Care Anyone who
fails to obtain prompt and necessary veterinary care for a sick or
injured animal is guilty of a misdemeanor or felony punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.