Title 10 comprises the animal law ordinances for Los Angeles County, California. Chapter 10.08 contains definitions; Chapters 10.12 and 10.16 are the laws pertaining to the Department of Animal Care and Control and its volunteer program. Chapter 10.20 outlines licensing, vaccinations, spaying and neutering requirements for dogs and cats. Chapter 10.32 prohibits animals running at large, and 10.36 contains impoundment procedures. Chapter 10.37 deals with dangerous dogs. Chapter 10.52 contains the laws regarding stockyards and hog ranches. The importation of animals is covered in Chapter 10.56. Tuberculosis and quarantine laws are found in Chapters 10.60 and 10.64. Title 10 also covers sanitation (10.68), animal disease reports (10.72), apiaries (10.76), dogs in open vehicles (10.80), feeding of predators (10.84), interference with police dogs (10.86), and fees (10.90).
Chapter 10.04 GENERAL PROVISIONS **
10.04.010 Title of Division 1 provisions.
10.04.020 References to amendments and additions.
10.04.030 Repealed ordinances not revived.
10.04.040 Interpretation of language.
10.04.050 Powers of deputies.
10.04.055 Authorization to issue notices to appear--Qualifications of officers.
10.04.060 Violation--Penalty.
10.04.065 Fees for services .
*Editor's Note: Not all cities in LA County have adopted this code.
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Sections
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Legislative History
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109--114
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In 4729.
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351
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Amended by 7532 § 1, 1959.
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353
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Added by 8168 § 2, 1962.
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371
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Added by 6937 § 2, 1956; amended by 7351 § 1, 1958.
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372--375
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Added by 6937 § 2, 1956.
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376
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Added by 6937 § 2, 1956; amended by 7351 § 1, 1958 and 7829 § 2, 1960.
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408.5
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Added by 6937 § 3, 1956.
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409.5
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Amended by 7351 § 2, 1958; 7532 § 2, 1959; 8043 § 6, 1961.
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411.3
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Added by 6937 § 3, 1956; amended by 7351 § 3, 1958.
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411.5
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Added by 6937 § 3, 1956.
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422
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Added by 4787 § 2, 1946.
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423
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Amended by 8043 § 9, 1961.
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424
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Added by 6189 § 2, 1953.
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425
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Added by 6520 § 1, 1954; amended by 7084 § 5, 1957.
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608.5
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Added by 6937 § 5, 1956.
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610.5
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Added by 6937 § 7, 1956; amended by 7351 § 3 (part), 1958; 7829 § 5, 1960; 8964 § 1, 1965.
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709
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In 4729.
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709.5
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Amended by 8043 § 13, 1961.
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710
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In 4729.
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711
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In 4729.
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712
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Added by 6405 § 1, 1954.
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713
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Added by 6937 § 9, 1956; amended by 7351 § 3, 1958; 8964 § 3, 1965.
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714--716
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Added by 6937 § 9, 1956.
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717
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Added by 6937 § 10, 1956.
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801
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Renumbered to be § 2001 by 8043 § 15, 1961.
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While subject matter similar to that set out in the above sections may appear in provisions currently set out in the code, these section numbers and the ordinances affecting them have never been repealed.
Chapter 10.08 DEFINITIONS
10.08.010 Application of definitions.
10.08.020 Animal.
10.08.021 Small animal.
10.08.022 Large animal.
10.08.030 Animal exhibition.
10.08.031 Animal facility.
10.08.032 Animal Facility Grade Card.
10.08.033 Animal Facility Inspection Report.
10.08.040 Animal menagerie.
10.08.050 Animal shelter.
10.08.060 Approved rabies vaccine.
10.08.065 Boarding facility.
10.08.070 Breeding facility.
10.08.075 Business days.
10.08.080 Cat.
10.08.095 Competition dog.
10.08.100 Department.
10.08.110 Director .
10.08.120 Dog.
10.08.140 Grooming parlor/mobile.
10.08.145 Stables.
10.08.150 Guard dog.
10.08.155 Hobby breeder.
10.08.160 Impounded.
10.08.170 Livestock.
10.08.175 Nonprofit humane organization .
10.08.190 Person.
10.08.200 Pet shop.
10.08.205 Pygmy pig.
10.08.210 Section.
10.08.220 Shall and may.
10.08.225 Unaltered.
10.08.230 Unlicensed dog or cat .
10.08.240 Wholesale wild animal dealer.
10.08.250 Wild animal.
Chapter 10.12 DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL*
10.12.010 Continuation.
10.12.020 Director--License duties generally.
10.12.030 Director and other employees--Tax collector responsibilities.
10.12.040 Powers of deputies.
10.12.050 Authority to accept negotiable paper.
10.12.060 Public spay and neuter clinic--Establishment--Services and fees.
10.12.070 Public education programs .
10.12.075 Incentive programs.
10.12.080 Animals held for observation for department of public health.
10.12.090 Capture and custody of animals required when.
10.12.100 Animals kept in animal shelters.
10.12.110 Fees for taking unwanted animals.
10.12.120 Removing animals from custody--Requirements.
10.12.130 Dead animals and dead livestock--Pickup from public and private property--Fee--Exceptions.
10.12.140 Dead animals--Pickup from businesses or other facilities.
10.12.150 Tranquilizer gun equipment--Use authorized when.
10.12.160 Inhumane treatment--Enforcement of state law.
10.12.161 Stealing or driving cats away from owners prohibited when.
10.12.170 Complaint investigation authority.
10.12.180 Unlicensed or unvaccinated dogs or cats--Right of entry for enforcement.
10.12.190 Refusing to show license or certificate unlawful.
10.12.200 Interfering with department officers prohibited.
10.12.210 Right of entry for enforcement--Conditions.
10.12.220 Animal facility inspection and grading authority.
* Editor’s note: The title of Ordinance 4729 Article 3 was amended to be the department of animal care and control by Ord. 11670 § 1, 1978.
Chapter 10.16 DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
10.16.010 Created.
10.16.020 Administration.
10.16.030 Personnel--Recruitment and compensation.
10.16.040 Tenure of personnel.
10.16.050 Expense reimbursement.
10.16.060 Duties.
Chapter 10.20 DOGS AND CATS *
Part 1 LICENSING
10.20.010 License tags--Issuance--Fee.
10.20.011 License--Issuance by veterinarians and other qualified persons in unincorporated areas of the county--Conditions .
10.20.020 Person deemed custodian when.
10.20.030 License--Required--Costs.
10.20.035 Senior citizen--Defined--Reduced rates.
10.20.038 Residential dogs and cats--Limitations.
10.20.040 Kennel dogs and cats--Individual license required when.
10.20.045 Hobby breeding--License required--Fees.
10.20.050 Exceptions from licensing requirement.
10.20.060 Unvaccinated dogs or cat--Licensing permitted when.
10.20.070 Unvaccinated dogs or cat--Time limit for vaccination when dog or cat is disabled.
10.20.080 License and license tag--Period of validity--Dogs discharged from military service.
10.20.090 Service dog defined--License and license tag--Requirements--Period of validity .
10.20.110 License tag--Fee for spayed or neutered animals.
10.20.120 Fees payable annually--Delinquency charge.
10.20.125 License fee not refundable.
10.20.130 Recordkeeping and procurement of tags and receipts.
10.20.140 License--Vaccination requirements and conditions.
10.20.150 License--Information to be shown on receipt.
10.20.160 License and license tag--Transfer permitted when--Fee.
10.20.170 Replacement of lost tags.
10.20.180 Tag to be worn by dog or cat.
10.20.185 Microchipping of dogs required.
10.20.190 Keeping unlicensed dogs or cats prohibited.
10.20.200 Counterfeit or imitation tags prohibited .
10.20.210 Removing tag from collar prohibited .
10.20.211 Spaying or neutering--Condition of sale--Deposit required.
10.20.212 Spaying or neutering--Disposition of funds by director.
10.20.213 Spaying or neutering--Deposit paid to veterinarian.
10.20.214 Spaying or neutering--Deposit forfeited without proof of operation--Conditions.
10.20.215 Spaying or neutering--Deposit refund conditions.
Part 2 VACCINATION
10.20.220 Requirements generally.
10.20.230 Revaccination time--Rabies vaccine.
10.20.250 Certificate of vaccination--Information to be shown.
10.20.262 County assistance to low-cost vaccination clinics.
Part 3 REGISTRATION OF DOGS BY BUSINESSES
10.20.270 Applicability of Part 3 provisions.
10.20.280 Registration--Required for business establishments.
10.20.290 Inspection of business premises required annually--Fee.
10.20.300 Registration--Information required.
10.20.310 Sign required on premises--Contents.
Part 4 MANDATORY SPAY AND NEUTER PROGRAM FOR DOGS
10.20.350 Mandatory spaying, neutering of dogs.
10.20.355 Unaltered dog license--Requirements.
10.20.360 Denial or revocation of unaltered dog license--Grounds and re-application.
10.20.365 Appeal of denial or revocation of unaltered dog license.
10.20.370 Transfer, sale and breeding of unaltered dog.
10.20.375 Penalties.
10.20.380 Impoundment of unaltered dog.
10.20.385 Allocation of fees and fines collected .
* Editor’s note: For statutory provisions on the licensing and regulation of dogs by counties, see Gov. Code § 25803 and Food and Agric. Code § 30501 et seq.; for provisions on rabies control, see Health and Saf. Code § 1900 et seq. For statutory provisions on the regulation of cats, see Food and Agric. Code § 31750 et seq.
Chapter 10.28 OTHER LICENSES
10.28.010 Application of Chapter 10.28 provisions.
10.28.020 Initial license--Application required.
10.28.030 License--Form and information required.
10.28.040 License fee not refundable.
10.28.050 License requirements--Inspection prerequisite to issuance and renewal.
10.28.060 License--Required for certain activities and animals--certain animals exempt.
10.28.061 Keeping and breeding pygmy pigs--License required.
10.28.062 Pygmy pigs--Breeding prohibited when .
10.28.090 License--Expiration date.
10.28.100 Display of license.
10.28.120 License--Issued subject to conditions when.
10.28.130 Denial or conditional grant--Notice to applicant of right to hearing .
10.28.140 Denial or conditional grant--Hearing procedure.
10.28.150 Exception to waiting period following license denial or revocation .
10.28.160 Renewal procedure.
10.28.170 Suspension or revocation--As condition of license grant--Procedure.
10.28.175 Reinspection .
10.28.180 Revocation--Grounds.
10.28.190 Revocation--Notice to tax collector.
10.28.200 Revocation--Forfeiture of fee.
10.28.210 Imposition of additional conditions authorized when .
10.28.220 Change of conditions at licensee’s request.
10.28.230 License--Preparation, numbering, recordkeeping and other procedures.
10.28.240 License--Information to be shown.
10.28.250 Renewal procedure--Report from regional planning commission required when.
10.28.260 Report of zoning land use regulation violations required when--Contents.
10.28.270 Animal facility grading--Bases for grading.
10.28.280 Display of grading card--Violation.
10.28.290 Consequences of failure to achieve minimum grade .
Chapter 10.32 ANIMALS RUNNING AT LARGE
10.32.010 Dogs--Running at large prohibited--Exceptions.
10.32.020 Attack dogs--Fenced or walled premises required when.
10.32.030 Dogs--Running at large permitted on private property--Conditions.
10.32.040 Livestock and poultry at large deemed misdemeanor--Exceptions.
10.32.050 Livestock--Owner liability for service charges.
10.32.060 Leading animals along public highways permitted.
10.32.070 Cat kennel requirements.
10.32.080 Wild animal establishment regulations.
10.32.090 Animals allowed to be at large--Permit required--Conditions.
Chapter 10.36 IMPOUNDMENT*
10.36.010 Taking up animals--Permitted when .
10.36.020 Surrendering animals to authorized representative required when.
10.36.040 Taking up animals--Notice to director or sheriff required.
10.36.050 Taking up animals--Sheriff’s officers’ notice responsibility.
10.36.060 Animals delivered to shelter.
10.36.080 Impounded animals--Recordkeeping requirements.
10.36.090 Impounded dogs and cats--Notice to owner required when.
10.36.100 Impounded dogs or cats--Failure to give notice--Charging fee prohibited when.
10.36.110 Impounded animals--Newspaper notices authorized .
10.36.120 Impounded dogs and cats wearing current, valid license tag--Destruction or other disposition conditions.
10.36.130 Redemption of impounded animals--Conditions generally.
10.36.160 Impounding fees--Described.
10.36.170 Impounding fees--Cost of giving notice included.
10.36.180 Impounding fees--For rabbits, poultry and other animals.
10.36.190 Impounding Fees--Costs of Veterinarian’s care authorized.
10.36.200 Impoundment fees--Not charged when animal taken up unlawfully .
10.36.210 Dogs--Release conditions .
10.36.220 Dogs--Nonpayment of impound fees and charges--Abandonment.
10.36.230 Release of animals--Proof of proper care required.
10.36.240 Purchase of animals without current, valid tag--Waiver of liability for unhealthy animals .
10.36.245 Animal not suitable for placement.
10.36.250 Purchase of animals--Exchange following sale permitted when.
10.36.260 Dogs and cats--Vaccination authorized when.
10.36.270 Examination for rabies authorized when.
10.36.280 Release when no rabies found.
10.36.290 Confinement when rabies found.
10.36.300 Examination of animals suspected of rabies--Limitation on acts authorized.
10.36.310 Destruction or other disposition--Animals running at large or maintained illegally.
10.36.340 Spaying or neutering--Condition of sale--Deposit required.
10.36.350 Spaying or neutering--Condition of sale--Deposit of moneys.
10.36.360 Spaying of neutering--Deposit paid to veterinarian .
10.36.370 Spaying or neutering--Deposit forfeited without proof of operation--Conditions.
10.36.380 Spaying or neutering--Deposit refund conditions.
* Editor’s note: For statutory provisions on estrays, see Food and Agric. Code § 17001 et seq.; for provisions on the impoundment of dogs, see Food and Agric. Code § 31101 et seq.
Chapter 10.37 POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS DOGS
10.37.010 Purpose of this chapter.
10.37.020 Potentially dangerous dog--Definition.
10.37.030 Vicious dog--Definition.
10.37.040 Severe injury--Definition.
10.37.050 Enclosure--Definition.
10.37.060 Department--Definition.
10.37.070 Impounded--Definition.
10.37.080 Exemptions.
10.37.090 Right of entry and inspection.
10.37.100 Authority to seize and impound animal posing an immediate threat to public safety .
10.37.110 Potentially dangerous or vicious dog hearing.
10.37.120 Notice of determination and appeal.
10.37.130 Conditions of ownership of potentially dangerous dogs.
10.37.140 Consequences of vicious dog determination.
10.37.150 Penalty for violation of conditions.
10.37.160 Removal of designation.
10.37.170 Exceptions.
10.37.180 Infraction/misdemeanor penalty for dog bites.
Chapter 10.39 RODEOS
10.39.010 Rodeos--Purpose of section--Permit required.
Chapter 10.40 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
10.40.010 Animal care--Requirements for owners and animal establishments.
10.40.015 Sale of live animals--Prohibited at swap meet.
10.40.016 Sale of animals on shelter property.
10.40.020 Young rabbits or fowl--Certain acts prohibited.
10.40.030 Young rabbits or fowl--Display, maintenance or sale permitted when .
10.40.040 Dog kennels--Records required for each animal.
10.40.050 Dog kennels--Surfacing and sanitation of dog runs.
10.40.060 Animal nuisances prohibited where.
10.40.065 Public nuisance.
10.40.070 Wild animals--Enclosure requirements.
10.40.080 Wild animals--Exemptions to applicability of Division 1 regulations.
10.40.090 Liability of licensees for acts of employees.
10.40.100 Kennel or pet shop license holders to provide lists of animals sold--Vaccination requirements .
10.40.200 Breeding license, restrictions and requirements.
Chapter 10.48 DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS[13]
10.48.010 Title of Division 2 provisions.
10.48.020 Provisions to supplement state law.
10.48.030 Definitions.
10.48.040 Director of public health--Powers and duties generally.
10.48.050 Powers of deputies.
10.48.060 Violation of Division 2 provisions--Penalty.
10.48.070 Severability .
Chapter 10.52 STOCKYARDS AND HOG RANCHES
10.52.010 Stockyards or packing houses--Removing animals without permit prohibited when.
10.52.020 Stockyards or corrals--Removing animals without permit prohibited when .
10.52.030 Permit to remove animals from stockyards--Conditions.
10.52.040 Hog ranch regulations--Feeding garbage to animals.
Chapter 10.56 IMPORTING OF ANIMALS
10.56.010 Importing or transporting diseased animals unlawful--Exceptions.
10.56.020 Importation permit--Required when--Stockyard and animal-care standards.
10.56.030 Animals for slaughter--Procedure for moving and unloading.
10.56.040 Dairy and breeding cattle--Identification and report requirements.
10.56.050 Dairy and breeding cattle--Holding period required--Exception .
10.56.060 Animals imported illegally--Quarantine, examination and disposal restrictions.
Chapter 10.60 TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL[15]
10.60.010 Holding period before tuberculin injection--Exception.
10.60.020 Tuberculin injection--Conditions.
10.60.030 Tuberculin tests--Records required.
10.60.040 Interference with tuberculin tests prohibited.
10.60.050 Testing cattle for tuberculosis authorized when.
10.60.060 Dairy and breeding cattle--Test required before sale--Exceptions.
10.60.070 Costs of tuberculin testing.
10.60.080 Branding of tubercular cattle required.
Chapter 10.64 QUARANTINES
10.64.010 Infectious diseases--Report and quarantine procedures.
10.64.020 Duty to report infectious diseases and assist enforcement .
10.64.030 Right of entry for inspection--Quarantine and other protective measures authorized when.
10.64.040 Interference with notices prohibited.
10.64.050 Watercourses--Protection from quarantined animals and infectious materials.
10.64.060 Glanders disease--Destruction requirements.
10.64.070 Foot-and-mouth disease--Right of entry for examination--Holding period authorized.
Chapter 10.68 SANITATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
10.68.010 Restraint of animals for testing--Owner responsibility--County costs authorized when.
10.68.020 Sanitation requirements generally.
10.68.030 Harboring rats or other rodents prohibited.
Chapter 10.72 ANIMAL DISEASE REPORTS[17]
10.72.010 Duty to report designated diseases--Form of report.
10.72.020 Tissue samples required when.
10.72.030 Director of public health investigation, enforcement and quarantine authority.
10.72.040 Violation--Penalty.
Chapter 10.76 APIARIES[19]
10.76.010 Person defined.
10.76.020 Signs identifying premises and owner required.
10.76.030 Signs on hives--Location and description.
10.76.040 Signs on hives--Lettering.
10.76.050 Violation deemed misdemeanor.
Chapter 10.80 DOGS IN OPEN VEHICLES
10.80.010 Transporting dogs in open vehicles prohibited when.
10.80.020 Violation--Penalty.
Chapter 10.84 FEEDING OF CERTAIN PREDATOR ANIMALS
10.84.010 Providing food for certain rodents or predator animals prohibited.
10.84.020 Feeding animals permitted when.
10.84.030 Violation--Penalty.
Chapter 10.86 INTERFERENCE WITH POLICE DOGS
10.86.010 Interference with police dogs.
10.86.020 Violation--Penalty.
Chapter 10.90 FEES FOR SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES
10.90.010 Fee schedule.
10.04.010 Title of Division 1 provisions.
The ordinance set forth in Division 1 of this Title 10 shall be known as, and may be cited and referred to as, “the animal control ordinance.” (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 1 § 101, 1946.)
10.04.020 References to amendments and additions.
Whenever any reference is made to any portion of this Division 1, such reference applies to all amendments and additions thereto now or hereafter made. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 1 § 104, 1946.)
10.04.030 Repealed ordinances not revived.
No ordinance repealed by Ordinance 4729 as originally adopted is revived by the amendment of Ordinance 4729 by Ordinance 9454. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 1 § 103, 1946.)
10.04.040 Interpretation of language.
A. The present tense includes the past and future tenses; and the future, the present.
B. Each gender includes both genders.
C. The singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular. (Ord. 87-0036 § 1, 1987: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 1 §§ 105 and 106, 1946.)
Whenever a power is granted to or a duty is imposed upon the director or other public officer, the power may be exercised or the duty may be performed by a deputy of the officer or by a person authorized, pursuant to law, by the officer, unless this Division 1 expressly provides otherwise. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 1 § 107, 1946.)
10.04.055 Authorization to issue notices to appear--Qualifications of officers.
The director may in his discretion authorize any animal control officer who has the qualifications of a humane officer as set forth in Civil Code Section 607g to issue notices to appear in court pursuant to Penal Code Section 853.5, et seq. Such animal control officers shall not be authorized to take any person into custody even though the person to whom the notice is delivered does not give his or her written promise to appear in court. (Ord. 90-0089 § 1, 1990.)
A. Any person violating any of the provisions of this title is guilty of an infraction, unless another penalty is provided for in this title.
B. Violation of Sections
10.12.190
10.12.200
10.20.280
10.20.310
10.28.060
10.28.280(C)
10.32.020
10.32.070
10.32.080
10.37.030
10.37.050(C)
10.37.060(F)
10.40.010
10.40.040
10.86.010
of this title is a misdemeanor, punishable as set forth in Penal Code Section 19. (Ord. 2004-0036 § 1, 2004: Ord. 90-0089 § 2, 1990: Ord. 89-0166 § 1, 1989: Ord. 87-0191 § 16, 1987: Ord. 83-0043 § 1, 1983: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 1 § 108, 1946.)
The fees and costs for animal-related services shall be determined annually by the Auditor-Controller, and posted in each shelter and on the department's website. (Ord. 2009-0017 § 1, 2009.)
10.08.010 Application of definitions.
Whenever in Title 10 the following terms are used, they shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this chapter unless it is apparent from the context thereof that some other meaning is intended. (Ord. 90-0137 § 1, 1990; Ord. 9454 § 1(part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 201, 1946.)
“Animal” means any animal, poultry, bird, reptile, fish or any other dumb creature. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 217, 1946.)
“Small animal” means any animal that weighs less than 250 pounds. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 1, 2000: Ord. 90-0137 § 2, 2000.)
“Large animal” means any animal that weighs 250 pounds or more. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 2, 2000: Ord. 90-0137 § 3, 1990.)
“Animal exhibition” means any display containing one or more domestic or wild animals which are exposed to public view for entertainment, instruction or advertisement. (Ord. 93-0002 § 1, 1993: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 219, 1946.)
"Animal facility" means a lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises for any animal related business or organization, including, but not limited to, a non-profit humane organization animal facility (as defined in Section 10.08.175), a grooming shop, a pet shop, a boarding facility, and a breeding facility, which is required to be licensed under Section 10.28.060. (Ord. 2009-0043 § 1, 2009; Ord. 2004-0036 § 2, 2004.)
10.08.032 Animal Facility Grade Card.
“Animal Facility Grade Card” means a card issued by the department, showing the letter grade earned by an animal facility, as reflected in the most recent Animal Facility Inspection Report. The Animal Facility Grade Card must be displayed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.28.280. (Ord. 2004-0036 § 3, 2004.)
10.08.033 Animal Facility Inspection Report.
“Animal Facility Inspection Report” is the report of the department reflecting the conditions existing at the facility at the time of the inspection. The letter grade received by the facility is based on the final score set forth in the Animal Facility Inspection Report. (Ord. 2004-0036 § 4, 2004.)
“Animal menagerie” means a place where wild animals are kept or maintained for any commercial purpose, including places where wild animals are boarded, trained, or kept for hire. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 220, 1946.)
“Animal shelter” means a place where animals impounded by the department are placed for their humane care and keeping. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 3, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 221, 1946.)
10.08.060 Approved rabies vaccine.
“Approved rabies vaccine” means a rabies vaccine which is approved for use by the state of California Department of Public Health. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 4, 2000: Ord. 10298 § 1, 1971: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 224, 1946.)
"Boarding facility" means an animal facility used for the care and temporary boarding (including day care) of dogs and cats and other animals normally kept as pets, in return for consideration, not including an animal hospital which only boards animals receiving medical treatment. (Ord. 2009-0043 § 2, 2009.)
"Breeding facility" means an animal facility engaged in the business of breeding dogs and cats or other animals normally kept as pets for sale or exchange in return for consideration. (Ord. 2009-0043 § 3, 2009.)
“Business days” are all days other than Sunday and legal holidays. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 6, 2000.)
“Cat” means any cat of any age, including female as well as male. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7829 § 1,1960: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 212, 1946.)
“Competition dog” includes a dog which is used to show, to compete or to breed, which is of a breed recognized by and registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), or other valid registry approved by the department and meets one of the following requirements:
A. The dog has competed in at least one dog show or sporting competition sanctioned by a national registry or approved by the department, within the last 365 days;
B. The dog has earned a conformation, obedience, agility, carting, herding, protection, rally, sporting, working or other title from a purebred dog registry referenced above or other registry or dog sport association approved by the department; or
C. The owner or custodian of the dog is a member of a purebred dog breed club, approved by the department, which maintains and enforces a code of ethics for dog breeding that includes restrictions from breeding dogs with genetic defects and life threatening health problems that commonly threaten the breed. (Ord. 2006-0029 § 2, 2006.)
“Department” means the Los Angeles County department of animal care and control. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 218, 1946.)
“Director” means the director of the department of animal care and control. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 216, 1946.)
“Dog” means any dog of any age, including female as well as male. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 202, 1946.)
10.08.140 Grooming parlor/mobile.
“Grooming parlor/mobile” means any place of business, whether or not such business is regularly conducted by the operator within a building or other structure, permanent or otherwise, or within a van, truck or other movable vehicle, where for consideration animals are groomed, clipped, bathed or otherwise conditioned as pets and/or for show. (Ord. 90-0089 § 3, 1990: Ord. 10487 § 3, 1972: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 225, 1946.)
“Stables” means any property, premises, building or structure maintained for the lodging, feeding, or rental of horses and cattle. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 7, 2000: Ord. 90-0137 § 4, 1990.)
“Guard dog” means a dog rented by the owner to another person for guard duty. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 223, 1946.)
"Hobby breeder" is any person, except for a person possessing a valid animal facility license, who owns and breeds a dog or cat and sells the offspring for pay or for other compensation. A hobby breeder is required to obtain a license pursuant to Section 10.20.045. (Ord. 2009-0043 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2006-0029 § 1, 2006: Ord. 2004-0036 § 5, 2004.)
If any animal has been received into the custody of the director pursuant to the provisions of this Division 1 or any state statute, such animal will have been “impounded” as that word is used in this Division 1. (Ord. 85-0204 § 1, 1985: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 203, 1946.)
“Livestock” includes but is not limited to the following: any pig, pygmy pig, hog, cow, bull steer, horse, mule, jack, jenny, hinny, sheep, goat, llama, domestic fowl or rabbit. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 8, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 210, 1946.)
10.08.175 Nonprofit humane organization.
"Nonprofit humane organization animal facility" means an animal facility operated by a bona fide charity in good standing under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, where animals are kept for adoption or sanctuary. (Ord. 2009-0043 § 7, 2009; Ord. 2000-0075 § 9, 2000.)
“Person” means and includes an individual, a company, firm, partnership, corporation, trust, limited liability company, and any association of persons or other legal entity. (Ord. 2011-0011 § 1, 2011: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 205, 1946.)
“Pet shop” means any place of business where dogs under four months of age, or cats, monkeys, birds, reptiles, fish, or any other animals to be used as pets, are kept for sale. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 214, 1946.)
“Pygmy pig” means a pig or hog classified as Sus scrofa jubatus Muller, or Sus scrofa (cristatus) vittatus, and commonly referred to as a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, pygmy pig or mini-pig, which stands no higher than 20 inches at the shoulder and is no longer than 40 inches from the tip of the head to the end of the buttocks, and weighs no more than 120 pounds. (Ord. 92-0110 § 1, 1992.)
“Section” means a section of Title 10 of the County Code, as set forth in this Division 1, unless some other ordinance or statute is mentioned. (Ord. 85-0204 § 2, 1985: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 206, 1946.)
“Shall” is mandatory and “may” is permissive. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 207, 1946.)
“Unaltered” means an animal which has not been spayed or neutered. (Ord. 2006-0029 § 3, 2006.)
10.08.230 Unlicensed dog or cat.
“Unlicensed dog or cat” means any dog or cat for which the license for the current year has not been paid, or to which the tag for the current year, provided for in this Division 1, is not attached. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 10, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 208, 1946.)
10.08.240 Wholesale wild animal dealer.
“Wholesale wild animal dealer” means a person engaged in the business of selling wild animals for the purpose of resale, or who sells wild animals to persons for use other than as pets. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 222, 1946.)
“Wild animal” is any nondomestic, exotic or dangerous animal, including but not limited to the following: wild animal/dog hybrids and other mammals, wildfowl, fish and reptiles. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 11, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 2 § 215, 1946.)
The county department of animal care and control under the administrative management of the director, and the office of the director, are both hereby continued. (Ord. 11670 § 1, 1978: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8043 § 2, 1961; Ord. 6937 § 1, 1960; Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 301, 1946.)
10.12.020 Director--License duties generally.
The director shall issue all licenses required by this Division 1, and shall maintain those records required by this Division 1, and handle all fees in such a manner as prescribed by the Los Angeles County auditor-controller. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7758 § 1, 1960: Ord. 7285 § 1, 1958: Ord. 6955 § 1, 1956: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 307, 1946.)
10.12.030 Director and other employees--Tax collector responsibilities.
For the purpose of issuing all other licenses required by this Division 1 and for no other purpose, the director and each employee designated by the director shall be appointed as a deputy county tax collector, to serve without additional pay as such. (Ord. 10354 § 1 (part), 1971: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 308, 1946.)
Whenever a power is granted to, or a duty is imposed upon, a public officer, the power may be exercised or the duty may be performed by a deputy of the officer or by a person authorized, pursuant to law, by the officer, unless this Division 1 expressly provides otherwise. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 311, 1946.)
10.12.050 Authority to accept negotiable paper.
The director and the tax collector, in their discretion, may accept negotiable paper as provided in Ordinance 4099, the Administrative Code, and subject to all of the provisions of Sections 25303.1 and 25303.2, 25303.3, 25303.4, 25303.5 and 25203.6 of the Government Code. (Ord. 9943 § 2, 1970: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 314, 1946.)
10.12.060 Public spay and neuter clinic--Establishment--Services and fees.
A. The director may establish a clinic, at which members of the public may have dogs and cats spayed or neutered in a humane manner upon payment of the applicable fees.
B. A person submitting a dog or cat for the above service shall sign a consent form certifying thereon under penalty of perjury that he is the owner of the animals, or setting forth facts showing that he is otherwise authorized to present the animal for the above operation and such person may be required to furnish proof of such ownership or authority. Such consent shall contain a waiver of any and all liability of the county, the department of animal care and control and any county employees for any injury or death to an animal arising out of the aforementioned operation or any services provided incidental thereto.
C. The department shall establish a return date by which a person submitting an animal for the above operation shall pick up such animal or be subject to a reasonable board and care fee to commence the day after such return date. Failure to pick up an animal within 15 days of the return date shall be deemed abandonment of such animal, and the director may dispose of it by sale or destruction. (Ord. 2009-0017 § 2, 2009: Ord. 90-0137 § 5, 1990: Ord. 88-0155 § 9, 1988: Ord. 87-0036 § 2, 1987: Ord. 85-0204 § 3, 1985: Ord. 81-0051U § 2, 1981: Ord. 12384 § 1, 1981: Ord. 11771 § 3, 1978: Ord. 11656 § 1, 1978: Ord. 10798 § 1, 1974: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 318, 1946.)
10.12.070 Public education programs.
The director may establish public education programs as deemed necessary to carry out the department’s duties and responsibilities for the humane treatment of animals. (Ord. 11302 § 1, 1976: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 319, 1946.)
The director at his or her discretion, may offer incentive programs to encourage compliance with the dog and cat licensing requirements. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 12, 2000.)
10.12.080 Animals held for observation for department of public health.
The director shall pick up or accept and care for any animal to be held for observation by the director of public health. (Ord. 2006-0040 § 36, 2006: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 303, 1946.)
10.12.090 Capture and custody of animals required when.
The director shall capture and take into custody:
A. All unlicensed dogs;
B. Any other animal, wild or domestic, which is by this Division 1 required to be licensed, but which is unlicensed;
C. Any animal being kept or maintained contrary to the provisions of this Division 1, the Animal Control Ordinance, or any other ordinance or state statute;
D. Dogs and other animals running at large contrary to the provisions of the Food and Agricultural Code or any other state statute or of this Division 1;
E. Sick, injured, stray, unwanted or abandoned animals;
F. Dogs which are unvaccinated in violation of this Division 1;
G. Animals delivered by the owners to the director, all title and interest in which is abandoned by such owners;
H. Animals for which the owner or custodian is unable to care because of imprisonment, illness, bankruptcy, litigation or other contingency, or in cases in which the owner or custodian cannot be found. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 302, 1946.)
10.12.100 Animals kept in animal shelters.
The director shall place animals taken into custody in the county animal shelters or appropriate facilities. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 13, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 304, 1946.)
10.12.110 Fees for taking unwanted animals .
The department shall charge the fees prescribed for the taking up or relinquishing of an unwanted animal when requested to do so by the animal's owner or other person having custody or control over said animal. (Ord. 2009-0017 § 3, 2009: Ord. 90-0137 § 6, 1990: Ord. 87-0036 § 3, 1987: Ord. 85-0204 § 4, 1985: Ord. 83-0182 § 1, 1983: Ord. 11771 § 5, 1978: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 320, 1946.)
10.12.120 Removing animals from custody--Requirements.
A person shall not remove any animal from the custody of the director, nor shall any person remove any animal from a county animal shelter, vehicle or trailer without first paying the necessary fees as set forth in this Division 1 or without receiving permission from the director to do so. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 15, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 316, 1946.)
10.12.130 Dead animals and dead livestock--Pickup from public and private property--Fee--Exceptions.
The director shall pick up and dispose of all dead animals and livestock on public highways and on public and private property within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, where the owner is unknown, or at the request of the animal's owner or other person having custody or control over the animal. The fees for such removal services shall be determined annually as provided in Section 10.04.065. The director shall not pick up any dead animals:
A. In Garbage Disposal Districts where contractors are required to perform such service pursuant to contract;
B. In beach areas which are maintained by the department of beaches and harbors.
(Ord. 2009-0017 § 5, 2009: Ord. 90-0137 § 8, 1990: Ord. 87-0036 § 4, 1987: Ord. 85-0204 § 5, 1985: Ord. 11771 § 4, 1978: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 305, 1946.)
10.12.140 Dead animals--Pickup from businesses or other facilities.
For each pickup or receiving of dead animals from any animal-related business, such as a pet hospital, nonprofit humane organization animal facility, stable or veterinary establishment, or any commercial, industrial, educational, medical or other facility that deals with animals in connection with its operation, the director shall collect the fees determined annually as provided in Section 10.04.065. (Ord. 2009-0043 § 8, 2009; Ord. 2009-0017 § 6, 2009: Ord. 2000-0075 § 16, 2000: Ord. 90-0137 § 9, 1990: Ord. 88-0155 § 5, 1988: Ord. 87-0036 § 5, 1987: Ord. 85-0204 § 6, 1985: Ord. 11176 § 1, 1975: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 305.5, 1946.)
10.12.150 Tranquilizer gun equipment--Use authorized when.
The director may designate supervisory and selected animal control officers who will be authorized to transport and operate tranquilizer gun equipment for use in the capture and seizure of animals. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 17, 2000: Ord. 83-0182 § 2, 1983: Ord. 10594 § 1, 1972: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 317, 1946.)
10.12.160 Inhumane treatment--Enforcement of state law.
It shall be the duty of the director to enforce those sections of the Penal Code of the state of California pertaining to the inhumane treatment of animals, and to take possession of animals so abandoned or neglected and care for or dispose of same as provided for in the Penal Code of the state of California or this Division 1. (Ord. 10354 § 1 (part), 1971: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 309, 1946.)
10.12.161 Stealing or driving cats away from owners prohibited when.
A person shall not steal, take, carry, lead or drive away the cat of another, with intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner or possessor thereof. (Ord. 82-0122 § 1, 1982.)
10.12.170 Complaint investigation authority.
The director shall receive, investigate and report to other county officers and county departments complaints concerning disturbing or offensive noises or conduct of animals or fowl kept or maintained in the unincorporated territory of the county of Los Angeles. (Ord. 10354 § 2, 1971: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 310, 1946.)
10.12.180 Unlicensed or unvaccinated dogs or cats--Right of entry for enforcement.
For the purpose of discharging the duties imposed upon him by this Division 1, the director, in order to enforce the provisions hereof to take up and impound any unlicensed or unvaccinated dog or cat, may enter any real property upon which any dog or cat is kept or harbored or upon which he has reason to believe any dog or cat is kept or harbored and demand the exhibition by the person owning or having charge or control of any such dog or cat, of the dog or cat, the required rabies vaccination certificate, and the license or license tag for such dog or cat for the current year provided for by this Division 1. This section does not permit any person to enter any private dwelling, except where necessary to rescue an animal. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 18, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 312, 1946.)
10.12.190 Refusing to show license or certificate unlawful.
Any person upon whom any demand is made under authority of this Division 1 for the exhibition of any dog or cat, rabies vaccination certificate, or any dog or cat license or tag, who fails or refuses to exhibit the same if he has it in his possession, is guilty of a violation of this Division 1, which shall be punishable as herein provided. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 19, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 313, 1946.)
10.12.200 Interfering with department officers prohibited.
A person shall not interfere with, oppose or resist the director or an employee of the department, while such person is engaged in the performance of any act authorized by this Division 1. (Ord. 4729 § 315, 1946.)
10.12.210 Right of entry for enforcement--Conditions.
A. The director, any officer or employee thereof, or other duly designated representative of the county, and any police officer shall have the right to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this Division 1 or other applicable law by entering into any building or upon any property within the unincorporated territory of the county of Los Angeles when said person has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building and/or upon any property any violation of the provisions of this Division 1 or other applicable law, provided that:
1. If such building and/or property is occupied, he shall first present proper credentials to the occupant and request entry, explaining his reasons therefor; and if such building and/or property is unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner thereof or other persons having authority over the building and/or property and request entry, explaining his reasons therefor;
2. If entry into said building or upon said property be refused, the director, any officer or employee thereof, or other duly designated representative of the county, and any police officer shall obtain an inspection warrant pursuant to the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure (Sections 1822.50--1822.57), for the entry and inspection of said building and/or said property;
3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the director, any officer or employee thereof, or other duly designated representative of the county, and any police officer has reasonable cause to believe that the keeping or the maintaining of any animal is so hazardous, unsafe or dangerous as to require immediate inspection to safeguard the animal or the public health or safety, he shall have the right to immediately enter and inspect such building and/or property, and may use any reasonable means required to effect such entry and make such inspection, whether such building and/or property is occupied or unoccupied, and whether or not permission to inspect has been obtained. If the building and/or property is occupied, he shall first present proper credentials to the occupant and request entry, explaining his reasons therefor.
B. This section shall not prohibit the director, any officer or employee thereof, and any police officer from entering upon any public or private property in the unincorporated territory of the county of Los Angeles for the purpose of capturing an animal running at large in violation of this Division 1 or other applicable law. Any person who denies or prevents, obstructs, or attempts to deny, prevent or obstruct said capture is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. 11489 § 1, 1977: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 3 § 306, 1946.)
10.12.220 Animal facility inspection and grading authority.
The director, or his or her duly authorized representative, shall inspect every animal facility annually as provided in Section 10.28.050, and shall report on the findings of said inspection in an animal facility inspection report. The letter grade issued by the department shall be based on the most recent animal facility inspection report of the facility. The director is authorized to recommend appropriate licensing or other legal action as set forth in Section 10.28.290. (Ord. 2004-0036 § 6, 2004.)
There is hereby created the department of animal care and control volunteer program, hereinafter referred to in this chapter as the “volunteer program.” (Ord. 10991 § 1 (part), 1974: Ord. 4729 Art. 12 § 1200, 1946.)
The director shall have ultimate responsibility and authority over the volunteer program and shall establish such rules, regulations, staff support and equipment as may be necessary for such volunteers to adequately carry out the duties enumerated in Section 10.16.070. (Ord. 10991 § 1 (part), 1974: Ord. 4729 Art. 12 § 1205, 1946.)
10.16.030 Personnel--Recruitment and compensation.
A. The director of the department of animal care and control shall have the responsibility for the selection and assignment of personnel under this volunteer program. All personnel within this program may be recruited from citizens and other lawful residents with a general concern for the humane treatment of animals, who support the mission and philosophy of the department.
B. All positions within this volunteer program shall be on a volunteer and unpaid basis, and their status as county employees shall be governed by the salary ordinance set out at Title 6 of this code, under the heading of Volunteer Worker, W/O Comp. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 20, 2000: Ord. 85-0204 § 7, 1985: Ord. 10991 § 1 (part), 1974: Ord. 4729 Art. 12 § 1201, 1946.)
10.16.040 Tenure of personnel.
The personnel within this volunteer program shall serve at the pleasure of the director of the department of animal care and control and may be terminated at any time for any reason. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 21, 2000: Ord. 10991 § 1 (part), 1974: Ord. 4729 Art. 12 § 1202, 1946.)
10.16.050 Expense reimbursement.
Each volunteer shall be reimbursed for his actual and necessary travel expenses if he is required to travel in the performance of his duties, including transportation, meals and lodging, in accordance with the provisions of Ordinance 4099, the Administrative Code. (Ord. 10991 § 1 (part), 1974: Ord. 4724 Art. 12 § 1203, 1946.)
A. All volunteers participating in this volunteer program shall be responsible to and take direction from the director and such of his deputies as he shall authorize.
B. The duties of the volunteers consist of the following:
1. To assist the department in reuniting lost pets with their rightful owners through the use of lost-and-found newspaper ads, stray animal lists of each center, telephone calls regarding lost-and-found animals and information sheets of other shelters and other possible means of locating lost pets;
2. To assist the department in escorting elementary school classes, civic groups, and 4-H Clubs through the animal control centers;
3. To assist the department of animal care and control in promoting the low-cost spay and neuter clinics;
4. To assist in promoting the adoption of animals from the department of animal care and control centers; and
C. In addition to the duties designated in subsection B of this section, each volunteer shall have such additional duties as the director shall prescribe. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 22, 2000: Ord. 83-0182 § 3, 1983: Ord. 10991 § 1 (part), 1974: Ord. 4724 Art. 12 § 1204, 1946.)
Part 1 LICENSING
10.20.010 License tags--Issuance--Fee.
Pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 30801) of Divisions 14 and 14.5 of the Food and Agricultural Code, the director shall issue serially numbered permanent dog and cat license tags marked with the name of the county of Los Angeles. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 23, 2000: Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 85-0204 § 8, 1985: Ord. 9943 § 3, 1970: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7829 § 3, 1960: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 401, 1946.)
10.20.011 License--Issuance by veterinarians and other qualified persons in unincorporated areas of the county--Conditions.
The director may authorize the issuance of dog and cat licenses, as required by Section 10.20.010, by persons practicing veterinary medicine in the unincorporated territory of Los Angeles County, or other persons approved by the director who meet the qualifications established by the department. Said persons shall transmit records and negotiable papers to the department of animal care and control at intervals as established by the director, and shall collect and transmit to the director the fees required by this chapter for the issuance of such licenses. The director may reimburse these businesses for such fees. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 24, 2000: Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 90-0089 § 5, 1990: Ord. 85-0204 § 9, 1985: Ord. 82-0163 § 2, 1982.)
10.20.020 Person deemed custodian when.
Any person keeping or harboring any dog or cat for 15 consecutive days shall be deemed to be the custodian thereof and subject to licensing provisions within the meaning of this Division 1. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 87-0036 § 6, 1987: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8043 § 4 (part), 1961: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 403, 1946.)
10.20.030 License--Required--Costs.
Every person owning or having custody or control of any dog or cat over the age of four months in the unincorporated territory of the county of Los Angeles shall obtain an annual license from the director for each dog and cat and shall pay the fee for the licenses including delinquency charges and field enforcement fees as set forth in Sections 10.20.130 and 10.90.010. The owner or custodian of an animal found unlicensed by a department employee in the field will be charged a field enforcement fee. (Ord. 2009-0043 § 9, 2009; Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 90-0137 § 11, 1990.)
10.20.035 Senior citizen--Defined--Reduced rates .
A reduced fee, as set out in Section 10.90.010, shall be charged to persons presenting proof of and qualifying for senior citizen status. For purposes of this section, persons over 60 years of age qualify for senior citizen status. This reduced fee shall apply only to persons whose dogs have been spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian and can present a certificate of such sterilization. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 90-0137 § 12, 1990: Ord. 87-0036 § 8, 1987.)
10.20.038 Residential dogs and cats--Limitations.
A. Dogs. Up to three dogs may be kept at any residence without an animal facility license, provided the dogs' owner or custodian licenses each individual dog and complies with the Mandatory Spay and Neuter Program for Dogs, 10.20.350 et seq. For purposes of this section, a service dog licensed under Section 10.20.090, is not counted toward the number of dogs kept or maintained, while such dog is serving a person who is disabled within the meaning of Government Code Section 12926(i) or Government Code Section 12926(k).
B. Cats. Up to five cats may be kept at any residence without an animal facility license, provided the cats' owner or custodian licenses each individual cat, has each cat spayed or neutered and keeps all cats primarily indoors. (Ord. 2009-0043 § 10, 2009.)
10.20.040 Kennel dogs and cats--Individual license required when.
An individual license shall be obtained for each dog or cat when such dog or cat is kept as a pet at an animal facility and is not kept exclusively in a kennel run or cage. (Ord. 2009-0043 § 11, 2009; Ord. 2000-0075 § 25, 2000: Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 420, 1946.)
10.20.045 Hobby breeding--License required--Fees.
A person who is a hobby breeder as defined in Section 10.08.155, shall obtain a hobby breeding license in the amount set forth in Section 10.90.010. Each license shall authorize the birth of no more than one litter per female dog or cat in any 12-month period and no more than one litter per domestic household in any 12-month period. Breeding in excess of that authorized under this Section requires a breeding facility license (See 10.08.065 and 10.40.200 et seq.) and may result in further penalties. (Ord. 2009-0043 § 12, 2009; Ord. 2004-0036 § 7, 2004: Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 90-0137 § 13, 1990: Ord. 88-0155 § 6, 1988: Ord. 87-0036 § 9, 1987: Ord. 85-0204 § 25, 1985.)
10.20.050 Exceptions from licensing requirement.
A. The provisions of this Division 1 do not require either a tag or a license for:
1. Any dog or cat found within the unincorporated territory of the county when the owner thereof resides in any municipality within the county, and such dog or cat is wearing or has attached to it a license tag for the current year issued by such municipality;
2. Any dog or cat owned by or in the charge of any person who is a nonresident of the county and is traveling through the county or temporarily sojourning therein for a period of not exceeding 30 days;
3. Any dog or cat brought into the county and kept therein for not to exceed 30 days for the exclusive purpose of entering the same in any bench show, or dog or cat exhibition, or field trials or competition;
4. Any dog or cat brought or sent into the unincorporated territory of the county from any point outside thereof for the exclusive purpose of receiving veterinary care in any dog or cat hospital, in the event that such dog or cat is kept at all times strictly confined within such hospital;
5. Any dog or cat wearing or having attached to it a license tag for the current year issued by a municipality within the county when the owner thereof has, within one year last past, moved his principal place of residence from such municipality to the unincorporated territory of the county; provided, that such municipality similarly exempts from tag and license requirements dogs or cat wearing current county license tags and owned by persons who have moved from the unincorporated territory of the county to such municipality.
B. Except, that each guard dog found within the unincorporated territory of the county, regardless of where the owner may reside, must have a Los Angeles County dog license; and the license tag must be securely affixed to the dog’s collar while it is being used as a guard dog within the unincorporated territory of the county of Los Angeles. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 11135 § 1, 1975; Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8043 § 4 (part), 1961: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 407, 1946.)
10.20.060 Unvaccinated dogs or cat--Licensing permitted when.
The director may accept the payment of the fee for a license tag and a license for a dog or cat who has not been vaccinated as required by Division 1 on condition that the owner of such dog or cat, within five days thereafter, have such dog or cat vaccinated and submit the required veterinarian’s certificate to the director. Upon receipt of such certificate, the director shall issue the license tag and license. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 9943 § 6, 1970: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8043 § 5, 1961; Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 408, 1946.)
10.20.070 Unvaccinated dogs or cat--Time limit for vaccination when dog or cat is disabled.
A person who obtains a license without submitting a certificate of vaccination because of the infirmity or disability of the dog or cat shall, within 10 days after the termination of such infirmity or disability, cause such dog or cat to be vaccinated as required by Part 2 of this chapter. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8043 § 8, 1961: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 413, 1946.)
10.20.080 License and license tag--Period of validity--Dogs discharged from military service.
Each license and each dog license tag provided for in this chapter for a dog which has been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States shall be of indefinite duration, so long as the same individual owns or harbors the same dog. The fee shall be that specified in Chapter 10.90. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 88-0155 § 2, 1988: Ord. 11177 § 1, 1975: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 404, 1946.)
10.20.090 Service dog defined--License and license tag--Requirements--Period of validity.
A. “Service Dog” is a guide dog or seeing-eye dog which was trained by a person licensed under Chapter 9.5 (commencing with Section 7200) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, a signal dog or other dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair or fetching dropped items.
B. Every person owning or having custody or control of a dog over the age of four months, who submits proof to the director that such dog has been successfully trained as a service dog as defined above in subsection A, shall procure a service dog license and a service dog license tag, which license and tag shall be valid while the dog is acting as a service dog, and is owned and kept by the same person. The tag shall be returned to the Department by the owner or keeper of the dog upon transfer of ownership or possession of the dog, or upon the retirement or death of the dog. (Ord. 2004-0049 §§ 2, 3, 2004.)
10.20.110 License tag--Fee for spayed or neutered animals.
Pursuant to Section 30804.5 of the Food and Agricultural Code, any dog or cat license tag issued pursuant to Section 10.20.030 of this Part 1 shall be issued for one-half or less of the fee required if a certificate is presented from a licensed veterinarian that the dog or cat has been spayed or neutered. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 11364 § 1 (part), 1976: Ord. 10961 § 2, 1974: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4787 § 1, 1946: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 421, 1946.)
10.20.120 Fees payable annually--Delinquency charge.
A. The license fees provided for in this chapter shall be paid annually to the director in the amount set forth in Section 10.90.010.
B. A delinquency charge as provided in Section 10.90.010 shall be assessed when the license fees provided for in this chapter are not paid within ten days after the expiration date or the date the license is required to be obtained by the provisions of this title. (Ord. 2009-0043 § 13, 2009; Ord. 90-0137 § 15, 1990: Ord. 88-0155 § 7, 1988: Ord. 83-0182 § 5, 1983: Ord. 82-0163 § 3, 1982: Ord. 11945 § 2, 1979: Ord. 9943 § 4, 1970: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 405, 1946.)
10.20.125 License fee not refundable.
No part of the license fee is refundable in any case. (Ord. 2009-0043 § 14, 2009.)
10.20.130 Recordkeeping and procurement of tags and receipts.
The director shall procure the number of license receipts and dog or cat license tags needed each year, and shall keep a register wherein shall be entered the name and address of each person to whom any dog or cat license tag is issued, the number of such tag, the date of issuance thereof and a description of the dog or cat for which issued. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 9943 § 5, 1970: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8043 § 4 (part), 1961: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 406, 1946.)
10.20.140 License--Vaccination requirements and conditions.
The director shall not issue a dog or cat license unless the applicant exhibits a certificate signed by a veterinarian, licensed either by the state of California or by any other state to practice veterinary medicine, that:
A. The period elapsing from the date of vaccination with approved rabies vaccine to the date of expiration of the license being issued does not exceed the time as established by the state; or
B. Such dog or cat should not be vaccinated with rabies vaccine because such vaccination would jeopardize the health of such dog or cat due to infirmity or other disability, which infirmity or other disability, and the estimated date of termination thereof, is shown on the face of the certificate to the satisfaction of the director. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 85-0204 § 10, 1985: Ord. 83-0182 § 6, 1983: Ord. 10374 § 1, 1971; Ord. 10298 § 2, 1971: Ord. 9943 § 8, 1970: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 412, 1946.)
10.20.150 License--Information to be shown on receipt.
When the director issues a dog or cat license, he shall show on the receipt the age of the dog or cat, the date of last vaccination and, if the license was issued without proof of vaccination, the reason therefor. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 85-0204 § 11, 1985: Ord. 9943 § 9, 1970: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 414, 1946.)
10.20.160 License and license tag--Transfer permitted when--Fee.
If, during a license period, a dog or cat is sold or title to the dog or cat is otherwise transferred to a new owner, such new owner may apply to the director for a transfer of such dog’s or cat’s tag and license and pay a transfer fee as specified under Chapter 10.90. Upon receipt of such application and fee, the director shall record the name and address of the new owner. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 26, 2000: Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 83-0182 § 7, 1983: Ord. 9943 § 11, 1970: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 419, 1946.)
10.20.170 Replacement of lost tags.
In case any license tag for an individual dog or cat is lost or destroyed, a duplicate thereof may be procured from the director upon the submission to the director of such proof as he may require and upon the payment therefor as specified under Chapter 10.90. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 83-0182 § 8, 1983: Ord. 9943 § 10, 1970: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 6189 § 1, 1953: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 416, 1946.)
10.20.180 Tag to be worn by dog or cat.
A license tag for an individual dog or cat shall be securely affixed to a collar, harness or other device which shall at all times be worn by such dog or cat except while such dog or cat remains indoors or in any enclosed yard or pen. Alternatively, a cat may wear any form of identification approved under Chapter 10.90. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 27, 2000: Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 415, 1946.)
10.20.185 Microchipping of dogs required.
All dogs over the age of four months must be implanted with an identifying microchip. The owner or custodian is required to provide the microchip number to the department, and shall notify the department and the national registry applicable to the implanted chip, of a change of ownership of the dog, or a change of address or telephone number. (Ord. 2006-0029 § 4, 2006.)
10.20.190 Keeping unlicensed dogs or cats prohibited.
A person, shall not harbor or keep, or cause or permit to be harbored or kept, any unlicensed dog or cat in the unincorporated territory of the county of Los Angeles, or in any city in Los Angeles County which has adopted this Title 10. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 28, 2000: Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 402, 1946.)
10.20.200 Counterfeit or imitation tags prohibited.
A person shall not attach to or keep upon any dog or cat, or cause or permit to be attached to or kept upon any dog or cat, any tag provided for in Section 10.20.010 of this chapter except a tag issued for such dog or cat under the provisions of this chapter, or attach or keep upon or cause or permit to be attached to or kept upon any dog or cat, or make or cause or permit to be made or have in possession, any counterfeit or imitation of any tag provided for in this chapter. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 418, 1946.)
10.20.210 Removing tag from collar prohibited.
An unauthorized person shall not remove from any dog or cat any collar or harness or other device to which is attached a license tag, or remove such tag or other identification therefrom. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 29, 2000: Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 4 § 417, 1946.)
10.20.211 Spaying or neutering--Condition of sale--Deposit required .
As a condition to the sale or giving away of any cat that has not been spayed or neutered, the purchaser or recipient shall deposit with the department of animal care and control, at the time of the sale or giving away, an amount determined by the director to be sufficient to cover the costs of neutering or spaying the cat, but in no event shall such deposit exceed $30.00. Such deposit is to be paid to a licensed veterinarian upon proof that he has performed the required neutering or spaying operation within the time period as set forth in Section 10.20.214, and may include an amount necessary to recover any additional costs to the department under this chapter. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993.)
10.20.212 Spaying or neutering--Disposition of funds by director.
Whenever, in connection with the sale of any cat, the director shall receive a deposit to cover the costs of spaying or neutering, the money so received shall be deposited in a trust fund in the county treasury. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993.)
10.20.213 Spaying or neutering--Deposit paid to veterinarian.
Whenever a cat has been spayed or neutered as provided herein, the depositor shall be entitled to have the deposit paid to the licensed veterinarian performing the above operation, or the director may return the deposit to the person purchasing or receiving the cat upon written statement or receipt from the licensed veterinarian that the cat has been spayed or neutered, and the director shall draw the necessary demand on the auditor therefor. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993.)
10.20.214 Spaying or neutering--Deposit forfeited without proof of operation--Conditions.
Any cat over six months of age at the time it is sold or given away shall be spayed or neutered within 60 days, or the deposit shall be deemed forfeited. Any cat under six months of age at the time it is sold or given away shall be spayed or neutered within 60 days after reaching the age of six months or the deposit shall be deemed forfeited. The director may extend such time periods in writing upon the showing of good cause therefor. The age of the cat for purposes of this chapter shall be determined by the department. At least 30 days before the end of the said 60-day period, or any written extensions thereof, the department shall send the purchaser notice by mail to the address on file with the department, informing the purchaser that failure to furnish satisfactory proof of performance of the operation prior to the end of the 60-day period or its extension shall result in forfeiture of the deposit. If the notice has been sent and the allotted time has elapsed without satisfactory proof of performance of the operation, the deposit shall be forfeited and the director shall transfer such money from the trust fund to the county treasury. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993.)
10.20.215 Spaying or neutering--Deposit refund conditions.
Whenever any cat which has been purchased from the department of animal care and control, while it was under the age of six months, dies or is destroyed prior to being spayed or neutered as required in this chapter, the purchaser shall be entitled to a refund upon presenting satisfactory proof to the director of such death or destruction, and the director shall draw the necessary demand on the auditor therefor. No refund shall be made, however, where death or destruction occurs following the time within which the aforementioned operation was required to be performed. (Ord. 93-0002 § 2 (part), 1993.)
10.20.220 Requirements generally .
A. Every person keeping, harboring, or having any dog or cat over four months of age in the unincorporated territory shall cause such dog or cat to be vaccinated with rabies vaccine, by a person licensed by the state of California, or other state, to practice veterinary medicine, on or before the latest of the following dates:
1. 15 days after first acquiring such dog or cat;
2. 15 days after bringing such dog or cat into the unincorporated territory of the county of Los Angeles.
B. No person shall cause a dog or cat under the age of four months to be vaccinated with an approved rabies vaccine unless a veterinarian licensed by the state of California, or other state, determines that such vaccination is required to preserve the health or prevent the disability of such dog or cat. (Ord. 93-0002 § 3 (part), 1993: Ord. 88-0025 § 1, 1988: Ord. 87-0036 § 10, 1987: Ord. 83-0182 § 9, 1983: Ord. 10298 § 3, 1971: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 5 § 501, 1946.)
10.20.230 Revaccination time--Rabies vaccine.
Every person keeping, harboring, or having a dog or cat in the unincorporated territory of the county which has been vaccinated with an approved rabies vaccine shall cause such dog or cat to be revaccinated within a period of not more than:
A. 12 months after the dog’s or cat’s initial vaccination if the dog or cat was between four months and one year in age at the time of such vaccination;
B. 36 months after each prior vaccination. (Ord. 93-0002 § 3 (part), 1993: Ord. 87-0036 § 11, 1987: Ord. 85-0204 § 12, 1985: Ord. 10298 § 4, 1971: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 5 § 502, 1946.)
10.20.250 Certificate of vaccination--Information to be shown.
Every person practicing veterinary medicine in the unincorporated territory of the county of Los Angeles who vaccinates a dog or cat with rabies vaccine shall immediately issue to the person to whom he delivers the dog or cat the original, and monthly to the director a duplicate, of a certificate signed by the veterinarian which states:
A. The name and address of the owner or harborer of the vaccinated dogs or cats;
B. The kind of vaccine used, the name of the manufacturer and the manufacturer’s serial or lot number, and the date of the vaccinations;
C. The breed, age, color and sex of the vaccinated dogs or cats.
(Ord. 93-0002 § 3 (part), 1993: Ord. 85-0204 § 13, 1985: Ord. 82-0163 § 4, 1982: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 5 § 504, 1946.)
10.20.262 County assistance to low-cost vaccination clinics.
The director may direct department personnel to provide or assist at low-cost vaccination clinics operated by veterinary associations as an adjunct to clinics operated by the department. The director may charge for the services of county personnel at low-cost vaccination clinics operated by veterinary associations. This charge shall not include the time actually spent in the issuance of licenses. Rates shall be those established by the county auditor-controller. (Ord. 2000-0075 § 31, 2000: Ord. 93-0002 § 3 (part), 1993: Ord. 82-0239 § 1, 1982: Ord. 82-0163 § 5, 1982.)
Part 3 REGISTRATION OF DOGS BY BUSINESSES
10.20.270 Applicability of Part 3 provisions.
Every business establishment that uses a dog or dogs to work without supervision to deter and protect the business from unauthorized persons entering said business, is required to obtain a business license under this part, other than sentry dog companies having dogs registered pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 121910. Businesses registered under Health and Safety Code Section 121910 are also required to obtain an animal facility license under Section 10.28.060. (Ord. 2009-0017 § 7, 2009: Ord. 11630 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 4729 Art. 13 § 1300, 1946.)
10.20.280 Registration--Required for business establishments.
Every business establishment shall license, with the Los Angeles County department of animal care and control, each and every dog subject to this Part 3. (Ord. 2009-0017 § 8, 2009: Ord. 11630 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 4729 Art. 13 § 1301, 1946.)
10.20.290 Inspection of business premises required annually--Fee.
Prior to the licensing of a dog, and business subject to this Part 3, the county shall inspect the business establishment premises so as to assure the adequate housing and care of the dog. The inspection fee set forth in Section 10.90.010.II.C.3 shall be paid annually upon inspection. (Ord. 2009-0017 § 9, 2009: Ord. 93-0002 § 4, 1993: Ord. 92-0056 § 2, 1992: Ord. 87-0036 § 12, 1987: Ord. 11630 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 4729 Art. 13 § 1304, 1946.)
10.20.300 Registration--Information required.
The license issued to a business subject to this Part 3 shall include the following information:
A. The name, address and telephone number of both the business establishment and the dog's responsible owner or handler;
B. The name of the dog;
C. The license identification number of the dog;
D. The time at which the owner or handler shall inspect the dog's physical condition, its surroundings, and to assure its food and water supply are adequate. Said inspection shall be twice in any 24-hour period, with each inspection no more than 15 hours from the previous inspection.
(Ord. 2009-0017 § 10, 2009: Ord. 11630 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 4729 Art. 13 § 1302, 1946.)
10.20.310 Sign required on premises--Contents.
Clear and legible signs shall be posted at each of the entrances to the business establishment having dogs licensed pursuant to this Part 3, which shall state that the dog and the business are licensed with the Los Angeles County department of animal care and control and the location and telephone number of the nearest county animal shelter. (Ord. 2009-0017 § 11, 2009: Ord. 11630 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 4729 Art. 13 § 1303, 1946.)
Part 4 MANDATORY SPAY AND NEUTER PROGRAM FOR DOGS
10.20.350 Mandatory spaying, neutering of dogs.
A. No person may own, keep, or harbor a dog over the age of four months in violation of this section. An owner or custodian of an unaltered dog must have the dog spayed or neutered or obtain an unaltered dog license in accordance with Section 10.20.355.
B. The owner or custodian of a dog which is unable to be spayed or neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death due to age or infirmity, must obtain written confirmation of that fact from a licensed veterinarian. The writing must also state the date by which the dog may be safely spayed or neutered. If the dog is unable to be spayed or neutered within 30 days, the owner or custodian must apply for an unaltered dog license. (Ord. 2006-0029 § 5 (part), 2006.)
10.20.355 Unaltered dog license--Requirements.
An owner or custodian of an unaltered dog over the age of four months must obtain an annual unaltered dog license for the dog. The license shall be issued if the department has determined that all of the following conditions are met:
A. The dog is one of the following: a competition dog as defined in Section 10.08.095; a dog used by a law enforcement agency for law enforcement purposes; a qualified service or assistance dog as defined in Section 10.20.090; or a dog which is unable to be spayed or neutered as set forth in Section 10.20.350 B;
B. The owner or custodian has submitted the required application and has paid the fee set forth in Section 10.90.010(VI)(A); and
C. The unaltered dog will be maintained in accordance with the provisions of Los Angeles County Code Section 10.40.010, and with applicable state animal care and control laws.
(Ord. 2006-0029 § 5 (part), 2006.)
10.20.360 Denial or revocation of unaltered dog license--Grounds and re-application.
A. The department may deny or revoke an unaltered dog license for one or more of the following reasons:
1. The applicant or licensee is not in compliance with all of the requirements of Section 10.20.355;
2. The department has received at least one complaint, verified by the complainant under penalty of perjury, that the applicant or licensee has allowed a dog to run loose or escape, or has otherwise been found to be neglectful of his or her dog or other animals;
3. The applicant or licensee has been previously cited for violating a state law, county code or other municipal provision relating to the care and control of animals;
4. The unaltered dog has been adjudicated by a court or an agency of appropriate jurisdiction to be a potentially dangerous or vicious dog, or to be a nuisance within the meaning of the Los Angeles County Code or under state law;
5. Any unaltered dog license held by the applicant has been revoked;
6. A female unaltered dog has had more than one litter per year, or five or more litters in her lifetime; or
7. The license application is discovered to contain a material misrepresentation of fact.
B. Re-application for unaltered dog license:
1. When an unaltered dog license is denied, the applicant may re-apply for a license upon a showing that the requirements of Section 10.20.355 have been met. The department shall refund one-half of the license fee when an application is denied. The applicant shall pay the full fee upon re-application.
2. When an unaltered dog license is revoked, the owner or custodian of the dog may apply for a new license after a thirty-day waiting period upon a showing that the requirements of Section 10.20.355 have been met. No part of an unaltered dog license fee is refundable when a license is revoked and the applicant shall pay the full fee upon re-application.
(Ord. 2006-0029 § 5 (part), 2006.)
10.20.365 Appeal of denial or revocation of unaltered dog license.
A. Request for hearing.
1. Notice of intent to deny or revoke. The department shall mail to the owner or custodian a written notice of its intent to deny or revoke the license for an unaltered dog which includes the reason(s) for the denial or revocation. The owner or custodian may request a hearing to appeal the denial or revocation. The request must be made in writing within ten days after the notice of intent to deny or revoke is mailed. Failure to submit a timely written hearing request shall be deemed a waiver of the right to appeal the license denial or revocation.
2. Hearing officer. The hearing shall be conducted by the director’s designee.
3. Notice and conduct of hearing. The department shall mail a written notice of the date, time, and place for the hearing not less than ten days before the hearing date. The hearing date shall be no more than thirty days after the department’s receipt of the request for a hearing. Failure of the owner or custodian or his or her agent to appear at the hearing will result in forfeiture of the right to a hearing. The hearing will be informal and the rules of evidence will not be strictly observed. The department shall mail a written decision to the owner or custodian within ten days after the hearing. The decision of the hearing officer shall be the final administrative decision.
B. Change in location of dog. If the dog is moved after the department has issued a letter of intent to deny or revoke, but has not yet denied or revoked the license, the owner or custodian must provide the department with information as to the dog’s whereabouts, including the current owner or custodian’s name, address, and telephone number.
(Ord. 2006-0029 § 5 (part), 2006.)
10.20.370 Transfer, sale and breeding of unaltered dog.
A. Offer for sale or transfer of unaltered dog: An owner or custodian who offers any unaltered dog for sale, trade, or adoption must include a valid unaltered dog license number with the offer of sale, trade or adoption, or otherwise state and establish compliance with Section 10.20.350. The license and microchip numbers must appear on a document transferring the dog to the new owner.
B. Transfer of unaltered dog: The owner or custodian of an unaltered dog over the age of four months, which is not a competition dog as defined in Section 10.08.095, must demonstrate compliance with Section 10.20.350 and 10.20.185 prior to the transfer, and must notify the department of the name and address of the transferee within ten days after the transfer.
C. Notification of litter and sale or transfer of puppies: Within thirty days after a litter is born to a female dog, the owner or custodian of the female dog shall advise the department in writing of the number of live born puppies. When a puppy under the age of four months is sold or otherwise transferred to another person, the owner or custodian shall advise the department of the name and address of the new owner or custodian, and the microchip number of the puppy, if applicable, within ten days after the transfer.
(Ord. 2006-0029 § 5 (part), 2006.)
The penalties for violations of any provision of this part are as follows:
A. First violation. A first violation shall be an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. If the owner or custodian fails to correct the underlying cause of the violation within 30 days after being notified of the violation, it shall be deemed a second violation.
B. Second violation. A violation within a year of a first violation shall be deemed a second violation. A second violation is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed six months or by a fine not to exceed $1,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each subsequent violation within one year shall be considered an additional misdemeanor.
(Ord. 2006-0029 § 5 (part), 2006.)
10.20.380 Impoundment of unaltered dog.
A. When an unaltered dog is impounded, the owner or custodian may reclaim the unaltered dog when one of the following occurs:
1. The dog is spayed or neutered by a department veterinarian at the expense of the owner or custodian. Such expense may include additional fees due to extraordinary care required;
2. The dog is spayed or neutered by another department approved veterinarian. The owner or custodian may arrange for another department approved veterinarian to spay or neuter the dog, and shall pay to the department the cost to deliver the dog to the chosen veterinarian. The cost to deliver the dog shall be based on the department’s hourly rate established by the Auditor-Controller, billed in minimum one hour increments. The veterinarian shall complete and return to the department within ten days, a statement confirming that the dog has been spayed or neutered and shall release the dog to the owner or custodian only after the spay or neuter procedure is complete; or,
3. At the discretion of the director, the dog may be released to the owner or custodian if he or she signs a statement under penalty of perjury, representing that the dog will be spayed or neutered and that he or she will submit a statement within ten days, signed by the veterinarian, confirming that the dog has been spayed or neutered.
4. If the owner or custodian demonstrates compliance with Section 10.20.350.
B. Costs of Impoundment.
1. The owner or custodian of the unaltered dog shall be responsible for the costs of impoundment, which shall include daily board costs.
2. The costs of impoundment shall be a lien on the dog, and the unaltered dog shall not be returned to its owner or custodian until the costs are paid. If the owner or custodian of an impounded unaltered dog does not pay the lien against the dog in full within fourteen days, the dog shall be deemed abandoned to the department in accordance with Section 10.36.310.
(Ord. 2006-0029 § 5 (part), 2006.)
10.20.385 Allocation of fees and fines collected.
All costs and fines collected under this part and the fees collected under Section 10.90.010 shall be paid to the department for the purpose of defraying the cost of the implementation and enforcement of this Part 4.
(Ord. 2009-0017 § 12, 2009: Ord. 2006-0029 § 5 (part), 2006.)
10.28.010 Application of Chapter 10.28 provisions.
This chapter applies to all licenses required by this Division 1 except licenses for individual dogs and cats.
(Ord. 2011-0011 § 3, 2011: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 601, 1946.)
10.28.020 Initial license--Application required.
Every person desiring a license to operate an animal facility or to keep a wild animal under Section 10.28.060, shall file an application with the department upon a form to be provided by the department, and at such time pay the required fee and any applicable penalty as set forth in Section 10.90.010.II. A person who possessed or owned a wild animal or who operated an animal facility without the required license, shall pay the penalty set forth in Section 10.90.010.II.C.4, in addition to the license fee. When a person applies for licenses for different purposes for animals at the same premises at the same time, the cost of the licenses shall be reduced by the amount set forth in Section 10.90.010.II.A.1.k.
(Ord. 2009-0017 § 13, 2009: Ord. 2004-0036 § 8, 2004: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 602, 1946.)
10.28.030 License--Form and information required.
Each application for any license covered by this chapter shall be upon a form to be furnished by the department, and shall contain such information as the director may require. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 622, 1946.)
10.28.040 License fee not refundable.
No part of the license fee is refundable in any case. (Ord. 2004-0036 § 9, 2004: Ord. 93-0002 § 6, 1993: Ord. 85-0204 § 14, 1985: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 621, 1946.)
10.28.050 License requirements--Inspection prerequisite to issuance and renewal.
Upon the filing of any license or renewal application covered by this chapter, the director shall inspect and make such investigation as he deems proper. The director may issue a new license or renew the license if the following requirements are met:
A. The maintenance of the animal or animals at the location set forth in the application will not violate any law or ordinance of the county of Los Angeles, federal law or any law of the state of California, or constitute a menace to the health, peace or safety of the community;
B. The applicant has received approval from the director of the regional planning department that the maintenance of the animal or animals as defined in this chapter, at the location specified in the application for the license therefore, will not violate any provision of any zoning ordinance or other specific plan of land use;
C. The applicant has not had a license, covered by this chapter, denied or revoked within the county of Los Angeles within twelve months prior to the application. However, the director may issue a license within the twelve month waiting period if the applicant is able to make the showing required by Section 10.28.150.
(Ord. 2011-0011 § 4, 2011: Ord. 2004-0036 § 10, 2004: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 623, 1946.)
10.28.060 License--Required for certain activities and animals--certain animals exempt.
Any person, including a new owner of an existing organization or business, shall not conduct or operate any animal facility listed in Section 10.90.010, or keep any wild animal, within the unincorporated area of Los Angeles, without first obtaining a license from the department, except as otherwise provided in this Section 10.28.060. Any person who has not applied for a license within 30 days after the expiration date of a license must obtain a new license, in place of a renewal license. A license is not required for the keeping of the following animals for personal use:
1. Canaries;
2. Chinchillas;
3. Chipmunks;
4. Finches;
5. Gopher snakes;
6. Guinea pigs;
7. Hamsters;
8. Hawks;
9. King snakes;
10. Marmoset monkeys;
11. Mynah birds;
12. Parrots, parakeets, amazons, cockatiels, cockatoos, lories, lorikeets, love birds, macaws, and similar birds of the psittacine family;
13. Pigeons;
14. Ravens;
15. Squirrel monkeys;
16. Steppe eagles;
17. Toucans;
18. Turtles;
19. White doves;
20. Tropical fish excluding caribe;
21. Domesticated mice and rats.
(Ord. 2011-0011 § 5, 2011: Ord. 2009-0017 § 14, 2009: Ord. 2004-0036 § 12, 2004.)
10.28.061 Keeping and breeding pygmy pigs--License required.
Any person owning or having the custody, care or control of a pygmy pig as defined in this title who keeps or maintains any such pig, whether as a pet or for personal use, or breeds such pig for pay or other compensation, shall first pay a fee and obtain an animal license or animal facility license from the department, except that no such license shall be issued unless:
A. The person keeping or maintaining a pygmy pig in a residential area, as permitted in Los Angeles County Code Section 22.20.030 as a pet or for personal use, has provided proof from a licensed veterinarian that the pig has been neutered or spayed and such proof has been submitted to the department;
B. The person owning or having custody and care of the animal has obtained any and all licenses and zoning permits required pursuant to this county code or any other ordinance or statute and has submitted proof of such to the department.
(Ord. 2004-0036 § 13, 2004: Ord. 92-0110 § 2, 1992.)
10.28.062 Pygmy pigs--Breeding prohibited when.
Any person owning or having the custody, care or control of any pygmy pig, and who keeps and maintains a pygmy pig in any residential zone, shall not engage in the breeding of such animals. (Ord. 92-0110 § 3, 1992.)
10.28.090 License--Expiration date .
All licenses covered by this chapter shall automatically expire twelve (12) months following the date of issue, unless sooner revoked or terminated by any of the following actions: the licensee changes the location of the animal facility or the animal for which the license was issued, or the licensee sells, assigns, transfers or otherwise disposes of the animal facility or animal or his or her interest therein.
(Ord. 2011-0011 § 6, 2011: Ord. 2004-0036 § 14, 2004: Ord. 10638 § 1 (part), 1973: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 607, 1946.)
Every person having a license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall keep such license posted and exhibited, while in force, in some conspicuous part of such establishment or, in the case of a wild animal license, affixed to the cage or enclosure wherein the animal is kept, or in the case of a pygmy pig such license shall be affixed to a harness or other device and worn by the animal at all times.
(Ord. 92-0110 § 4, 1992: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 627, 1946.)
10.28.120 License--Issued subject to conditions when .
If the director finds that the facts are such that any one or more of the provisions of this Division 1 relating to the denial of the license under consideration would apply if the license is issued without conditions, but that conditions can be imposed which will eliminate any such ground for denial, the director shall direct that the license be issued, subject to such conditions.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 604, 1946.)
10.28.130 Denial or conditional grant--Notice to applicant of right to hearing.
Before the director denies any license, either new or renewal, or grants any license subject to conditions, except the renewal of a license containing only those conditions to which the license renewed was subject, or conditions to which the applicant has agreed, he shall notify the applicant in writing that he intends to deny the license or to grant the license subject to conditions, which conditions shall be specified in the notice, and that the applicant, if dissatisfied with the decision of the director may, in writing, request a hearing before the business license commission within five days after receipt of such notice.
(Ord. 10638 § 1 (part), 1973: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 605, 1946.)
10.28.140 Denial or conditional grant--Hearing procedure.
If any applicant requests a hearing, the director shall prepare and file an accusation in the manner prescribed in Section 7.10.210 of this code, on business licenses. The parties will then be notified and a hearing held by the business license commission in the manner prescribed in Sections 7.04.280 and 7.10.200 through 7.10.390 of this code. At such hearing, all parties may be heard and the business license commission shall determine whether the license should be issued, issued subject to conditions, or denied.
(Ord. 10638 § 1 (part), 1973: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 606, 1946.)
10.28.150 Exception to waiting period following license denial or revocation.
If a license has been denied or revoked, the director shall not accept a new application by the same person for a license for the same activity at the same location less than twelve months after such denial or revocation unless the applicant affirmatively shows, and the director finds, that the grounds upon which the first application was denied or the license was revoked no longer exist.
(Ord. 2004-0036 § 16, 2004: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7829 § 4 (part), 1960: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 609, 1946.)
Within 30 days after the expiration of any license or prior to the expiration of the license, the licensee shall apply for a renewal of the license and, with his application, pay the required fee set forth in Section 10.90.010.II.B. When a person applies for more than one renewal, for animals at the same premises at the same time, the cost of the renewals shall be reduced by the amount set forth in Section 10.90.010.II.B.1.i. An animal facility which has not applied for a renewal within the 30 day grace period must obtain a new license in place of a renewal license, and pay the fees applicable to an initial license. If the applicant has not applied for a renewal within six months after the expiration date, the penalty provided in Section 10.90.010.II.C.4 must also be paid.
(Ord. 2009-0017 § 15, 2009: Ord. 2004-0036 § 17, 2004: Ord. 87-0036 § 15, 1987: Ord. 85-0204 § 16, 1985: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 6937 § 4, 1956: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 608, 1946.)
10.28.170 Suspension or revocation--As condition of license grant--Procedure.
Every license granted is granted and accepted by all parties with the express understanding that the director may prepare and file an accusation, and cause the parties to be notified, and a hearing held before the business license commission as prescribed in Section 10.28.140. If, from the evidence introduced at such hearing, the business license commission finds that any ground of revocation exists, it may revoke or suspend such license. Pending such hearing and decision, the director may suspend such license for not more than 60 days.
(Ord. 10638 § 1 (part), 1973: Ord. 10087 § 1, 1970: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8613 § 1 (part), 1964: Ord. 8043 § 10 (part), 1961: Ord. 7829 § 4 (part), 1960; Ord. 7351 § 3 (part), 1958: Ord. 6937 § 6, 1956: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 610, 1946.)
When a reinspection of the premises is necessary to determine compliance with all licensing requirements, or when a person requests a reinspection in order to improve a grade, or for any reason, he shall pay the reinspection fee set forth in Section 10.90.010.II.C.1, provided that any applicable initial license fee or renewal fee has been already paid within the preceding twelve months.
(Ord. 2009-0017 § 16, 2009: Ord. 2004-0036 § 18, 2004.)
10.28.180 Revocation--Grounds.
A license may be revoked on any one or more of the following grounds:
A. Any facts exist because of which a denial of the license would be authorized;
B. The licensee, or any agent or employee of the licensee, has violated or has been convicted of violating any of the provisions of the ordinance codified in this chapter or any other county ordinance, or of any regulation adopted pursuant thereto, or of any law, statute, rule, order or regulation of the state now or hereafter in force regulating the occupation or other activity for which the license was issued;
C. The licensee obtained the license by fraudulent representations;
D. The licensee has conducted the occupation or other activity licensed in an immoral or disorderly manner;
E. The licensee is an unfit person to be entrusted with the privileges granted by the license.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 613, 1946.)
10.28.190 Revocation--Notice to tax collector.
The director shall give notice of such revocation to the tax collector.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 615, 1946.)
10.28.200 Revocation--Forfeiture of fee.
On revocation of the license, no part of the money in the hands of the tax collector shall be returned, but the said license fee shall be forfeited to the county.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8043 § 11, 1961: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 614, 1946.)
10.28.210 Imposition of additional conditions authorized when.
A. If, at any time, it appears to the director that there are grounds for the revocation of a license, but that such grounds could be eliminated by the imposition of conditions, or of additional conditions, or by the amendment of any existing condition to such license, he may notify the licensee in writing that he intends to impose or amend such conditions and that the licensee may, within five days after receipt of such notice, request in writing a hearing before the business license commission.
B. If, from the evidence at a revocation hearing or at a hearing held pursuant to this section, it appears to the business license commission that there are grounds for revocation which can be eliminated by the imposition of, or amendment of, conditions, the business license commission may impose or amend such conditions.
(Ord. 10638 § 1 (part), 1973: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 611, 1946.)
10.28.220 Change of conditions at licensee’s request.
If a licensee applies in writing to the director for a change in the conditions to which his license is subject, the director may grant such application in whole or in part, or may deny such application, based upon facts found by him.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 612, 1946.)
10.28.230 License--Preparation, numbering, recordkeeping and other procedures .
Each license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be prepared, numbered, signed, delivered and accounted for in the manner provided by law for other licenses.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 617, 1946.)
10.28.240 License--Information to be shown.
In addition to any other matter required by law, each license shall state the name and residence address of the person to whom such license is issued, the amount paid therefor and the character thereof, the date when issued, the date on which such license shall expire, and shall specify the address at which the license permits the maintenance of the animal or animals.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 618, 1946.)
10.28.250 Renewal procedure--Report from regional planning commission required when.
If the tax collector has not received any protest against its renewal, he may issue a renewal of an existing license covered by this chapter at the same location, without any report from the director of the regional planning commission. Otherwise, the tax collector shall not issue any license until he obtains from the director of the regional planning commission a statement signed by such director that the maintenance of the animal or animals, at the location specified in the application for the license therefor, will not violate any provision of any zoning ordinance or official plan of a master plan of land use.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 619, 1946.)
10.28.260 Report of zoning land use regulation violations required when--Contents.
If the director of the regional planning commission finds that the holder of any license covered by ordinance or official plan of land use, or has done, is doing or threatens to do any act, because of the doing of which no license should be issued or renewed, or any other circumstance because of which such license should not be renewed, he shall report such fact in writing to the tax collector. In such report he shall give the number of the license, the name and address of the licensee, the location of the animal or animals, the reasons why such license should not be renewed, and such other facts as the tax collector may require.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 6 § 620, 1946.)
10.28.270 Animal facility grading--Bases for grading.
A. The purpose of the Animal Facility Grade Card is to provide notice to the public of the grade earned by an animal facility at the time of the most recent inspection of the facility. The grading standards are set forth in the Animal Facility Inspection Report, which is available upon request from any county shelter.
B. The letter grade reflected in the Animal Facility Inspection Report is based on the facility’s level of compliance with applicable state statutes and local ordinances and policies relating to the care of animals. The grade shall be issued on the animal facility’s final score as follows:
1. Grade of A: Final score of 90% and above;
2. Grade of B: Final score of 80% to 89%;
3. Grade of C: Final score of 70% to 79%. A final score of 70% is the minimum grade required to maintain a license in good standing. A score of less than 70% will result in recommendations by the department regarding licensing or legal action to be taken as set forth in Section 10.28.290.
(Ord. 2004-0036 § 19, 2004.)
10.28.280 Display of grading card--Violation.
A. Upon issuance by the director, the facility shall post the Animal Facility Grade Card at every animal facility, so as to be clearly visible to the general public and to patrons entering the facility. For purposes of this section, “clearly visible to the general public and to patrons” shall mean:
1. Posted in the front window of the facility within five feet of the front door;
2. Posted in a display case mounted on the outside front wall of the facility within five feet of the front door; or
3. Posted in a location as directed and determined in the discretion of the director to ensure proper notice to the general public and to patrons.
B. In the event that an animal facility is operated in the same building or space as a separately licensed or permitted business, or in the event that an animal facility shares a common patron entrance with such a separately owned or permitted business, or in the event of both, the facility shall post the Animal Facility Grade Card(s) in the initial patron contact area, or in a location as determined in the discretion of the director.
C. The Animal Facility Grade Card shall not be defaced, marred, camouflaged, hidden or removed. Except as provided in subsection D of this section, it shall be unlawful to operate an animal facility unless the Animal Facility Grade Card is displayed as required by this Section 10.28.280. A violation of this subsection C is a misdemeanor, and is punishable as a misdemeanor under Penal Code Section 19.
D. The director may waive posting of the Animal Facility Grade Card when the animal facility consists of animals maintained solely as personal pets which are not used to breed, show, sell, adopt or to transfer ownership or custody of the animals by any other method.
(Ord. 2004-0036 § 20, 2004.)
10.28.290 Consequences of failure to achieve minimum grade.
The department shall make recommendations as to licensing or legal action to be taken when an animal facility does not earn a final score of at least 70%.
1. Licensing Consequences. Licensing consequences of an animal facility’s failure to attain a final score of at least 70% include the imposition of conditions, denial, revocation or non-renewal of the license.
2. Other Consequences. Other consequences include referrals to local prosecuting authorities for criminal prosecution under local ordinances or state statutes.
(Ord. 2004-0036 § 21, 2004.)
10.32.010 Dogs--Running at large prohibited--Exceptions.
No person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of any dog shall cause, permit or allow the same to be or to run at large upon any highway, street, lane, alley, court or other public place, or upon any private property or premises other than those of the person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of such dog, in the unincorporated area of the county of Los Angeles, unless such dog be restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length and is in the charge, care, custody or control of a competent person.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8043 § 12 (part), 1961: Ord. 4729 Art. 7 § 701, 1946.)
10.32.020 Attack dogs--Fenced or walled premises required when.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 10.32.010, no person owning or having charge, care, custody, or control of any dog which has been trained to attack persons or animals, or an attack dog that behaves in a threatening or menacing manner, shall, within the unincorporated area of the county of Los Angeles, cause, permit or allow the same to be or run at large upon any private property or premises, including those of the person owning or having charge, care or custody of such dog, except within such portion of such property or premises which are enclosed by a structure, fence or wall not less than five feet in height. The fence, wall or structure shall conform to requirements of Chapter 11.50 of this code.
(Ord. 2000-0075 § 33, 2000: Ord. 12120 § 1, 1980: Ord. 4729 Art. 7 § 701.5, 1946.)
10.32.030 Dogs--Running at large permitted on private property--Conditions.
The provisions of this chapter do not prohibit permitting or allowing dogs to run at large on the premises of the owner or person having charge, care, custody or control of such dogs when the property is a ranch or similar undeveloped property, or prohibit permitting or allowing dogs, other than unspayed female dogs during the copulative season, to run at large on any ranch or similar undeveloped property with the permission of the owner of such ranch or similar undeveloped property; provided such dog is under reasonable control of a competent person.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 7 § 702, 1946.)
10.32.040 Livestock and poultry at large deemed misdemeanor--Exceptions.
A. Every person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of any pig, pygmy pig, hog, cow, bull, steer, horse, mule, jack, jenny, hinny, sheep or other livestock, including poultry, is guilty of a misdemeanor, who wilfully or knowingly permits or, through failure to exercise due care or control, allows:
1. The same to run at large upon any highway, street, lane, alley, court or other public place; or
2. To enter or remain in or upon any land owned by any person, other than the owner of such animal, unless the person in charge of such animal has in his possession the consent in writing of the owner or lessee of such land.
B. This section does not apply to any recreational use upon uncultivated or unimproved land. (Ord. 92-0110 § 5, 1992: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8043 § 12 (part), 1961: Ord. 4729 Art. 7 § 703, 1946.)
10.32.050 Livestock--Owner liability for service charges.
The owner or other person having custody or control over livestock shall be liable to the county for the salary, costs and other expenses incurred by the department’s personnel when used for the restraining, capturing or rescuing of said animals. The salary, costs and expenses shall be determined by the director with the concurrence of the county auditor-controller.
(Ord. 85-0204 § 17, 1985: Ord. 11771 § 6, 1978: Ord. 4729 Art. 7 § 708, 1946.)
10.32.060 Leading animals along public highways permitted.
This chapter does not prohibit the leading, driving or conducting of animals under adequate supervision along a public highway.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 7 § 704, 1946.)
10.32.070 Cat kennel requirements.
Every person owning or operating any animal facility used to keep cats, shall keep all cats therein under proper confinement on the premises and shall not cause, permit or allow such cats to be or to run at large.
(Ord. 2011-0011 § 7, 2011: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8964 § 2, 1965: Ord. 8613 § 1 (part), 1964: Ord. 8043 § 12 (part), 1961: Ord. 7351 § 3 (part), 1958: Ord. 6937 § 8, 1956: Ord. 4729 Art. 7 § 705, 1946.)
10.32.080 Wild animal establishment regulations.
Every person owning any wild animal or operating any wild animal establishment shall keep all animals under proper confinement on the premises and shall not cause, permit or allow such animals to be or to run at large, or maintain any such animal upon any private property on or within the premises of such person in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of any person lawfully entering such premises.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8613 § 1 (part), 1964: Ord. 8043 § 12 (part), 1961: Ord. 4729 Art. 7 § 706, 1946.)
10.32.090 Animals allowed to be at large--Permit required--Conditions .
A. If the director finds that it is necessary to permit an animal, wild or domestic, to run at large in order to accomplish any legitimate purpose by the use of such animal, and that the animal will be so supervised and guarded that it will not leave the premises where used and will not endanger in any way the public health, safety or general welfare of any person, he may permit such animal to run at large under such conditions as the director finds necessary or expedient to protect the safety of the public.
B. Such permit may be for one occasion or for a period of time or until revoked. It may include one or more animals or may permit any animal under the control of the permittee to run at large as provided in subsection B.
C. Such permit may be revoked for the reasons and pursuant to the procedures provided by this Division 1 for the revocation of licenses.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 7 § 707, 1946.)
10.36.010 Taking up animals--Permitted when.
Any person finding any stray domestic animal or any such animal which is running at large contrary to the provisions of this Division 1 may take up such animal if he complies with the applicable provisions of this Division 1.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8043 § 16 (part), 1961: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 801, 1946.)
10.36.020 Surrendering animals to authorized representative required when.
Any person taking up any stray domestic animal or any such animal found running at large contrary to the provisions of this Division 1 shall surrender such animal to the director or to his duly authorized representative upon demand.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 8043 § 16 (part), 1961: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 802, 1946.)
10.36.040 Taking up animals--Notice to director or sheriff required.
Every person, except the director, taking up any stray animal or any such animal which is running at large contrary to the provisions of this Division 1 shall, within four hours thereafter, give notice to the director or to the sheriff of:
A. The fact that he has such animal in his possession;
B. The complete description of such animal;
C. The license number of such animal, if any, and by what county or municipal corporation issued. If such animal has no license he shall so state;
D. The place where such animal is confined.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 804, 1946.)
10.36.050 Taking up animals--Sheriff’s officers’ notice responsibility.
In case the notice provided for in Section 10.36.040 is given to any member of the sheriff’s office, such officer shall immediately notify the director and shall furnish him all the information which has been obtained regarding such animal.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 805, 1946.)
10.36.060 Animals delivered to shelter.
The director shall deliver to an animal shelter operated by the department those animals picked up by the department in accordance with this Division 1.
(Ord. 2000-0075 § 34, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 3 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 806, 1946.)
10.36.080 Impounded animals--Recordkeeping requirements.
The director shall keep a record of each animal impounded, the date of impound, the date and name and address of the person who redeemed, reclaimed or purchased the animal, and the amount of all fees received or collected for or because of the impounding, reclaiming or purchasing of the animal. When a dog or cat is redeemed by an owner or is adopted, the director shall keep a record of the dog or cat license number or the animal facility license number under which the dog or cat was released.
(Ord. 2011-0011 § 8, 2011: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 812, 1946.)
10.36.090 Impounded dogs and cats--Notice to owner required when.
When any dog or cat wearing a current, valid license tag issued by the county of Los Angeles, or any municipality within the county of Los Angeles is impounded pursuant to this Division 1, the director shall, within 48 hours, excluding week-ends and holidays, after receiving such dog or cat, notify either by telephone or letter, with postage fully prepaid thereon, the person to whom the current license for such dog or cat was issued, of the whereabouts of such dog or cat.
(Ord. 2000-0075 § 35, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 814, 1946.)
10.36.100 Impounded dogs or cats--Failure to give notice--Charging fee prohibited when.
If the director does not comply with Section 10.36.090, he shall charge no fee of any kind for any board or care of such dog or cat, until such time as the required notice is given.
(Ord. 2000-0075 § 36, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 815, 1946.)
10.36.110 Impounded animals--Newspaper notices authorized.
The director may, upon impounding of any animal, cause to be published, in any newspaper circulated within the community wherein any such animal was taken up, a notice of description of such animal, the date of such taking up and impounding, and the address of the animal shelter wherein such animal is being held. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 808, 1946.)
10.36.120 Impounded dogs and cats wearing current, valid license tag--Destruction or other disposition conditions.
Dogs and cats wearing current, valid license tag, issued by the county of Los Angeles or any municipality within the county of Los Angeles, impounded pursuant to this Division 1, shall not be destroyed or otherwise disposed of unless:
A. The person to whom the current license for such dog or cat was issued so directs; or
B. Six business days have elapsed since such person was notified of the whereabouts of his dog or cat by telephone; or
C. Six business days have elapsed since a letter, postage fully prepaid, addressed to such person at his last known address and informing such person of the whereabouts of his dog or cat, has been deposited in the United States mail.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a dog or cat which is irremediably suffering from a serious illness or severe injury shall not be held for owner redemption or for adoption. Any stray animal that is impounded pursuant to this Division 1, shall, prior to the killing of the animal for any reason other than irremediable suffering, be released to a nonprofit humane organization, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, animal rescue or adoption organization if requested by the organization prior to the scheduled killing of the animal. In addition to the required spay or neuter deposit, the Department may assess the standard adoption fee for animals released.
(Ord. 2000-0075 § 37, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 816, 1946.)
10.36.130 Redemption of impounded animals--Conditions generally.
The owner or person entitled to the custody of any animal taken up and impounded under the provisions of this Division 1 may, at any time before the sale or disposal thereof as herein provided, redeem such animal by paying to the director the fees and charges prescribed by this Division 1 accruing up to the time of such redemption.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 824, 1946.)
10.36.160 Impounding fees--Described.
The impounding fee does not include any cost of feeding or caring for any dog or cat except during the day on which it is impounded, but the fee for such care and feeding may be collected for each day, except the day on which it is impounded, during which such dog or cat is in the custody of the director.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 819, 1946.)
10.36.170 Impounding fees--Cost of giving notice included.
For giving notice of the impounding of any animal, the actual cost of the publication of any notice published for such animal shall be collected. (Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 820, 1946.)
10.36.180 Impounding fees--For rabbits, poultry and other animals.
The estimated cost of impounding, feeding and caring for rabbits, birds, poultry, fowls, livestock or other animals not otherwise provided for in Division 1 shall be collected.
(Ord. 90-0089 § 6, 1990: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 821, 1946.)
10.36.190 Impounding Fees--Costs of Veterinarian’s care authorized.
A. The director may employ a private veterinarian if necessary to properly care for and maintain any animal.
B. When a veterinarian's fee has been paid or incurred for the care or treatment of an animal, such animal shall not be redeemed without payment by the owner of all fees and costs.
(Ord. 2009-0017 § 17, 2009: Ord. 2000-0075 § 39, 2000: Ord. 90-0137 § 19, 1990: Ord. 88-0155 § 8, 1988: Ord. 83-0182 § 16, 1983: Ord. 82-0163 § 6, 1982: Ord. 11234 § 1, 1975: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 825, 1946.)
10.36.200 Impoundment fees--Not charged when animal taken up unlawfully.
A charge shall not be collected for any animal which has been unlawfully taken up and impounded. Such animal shall be immediately delivered upon demand to the owner or person entitled to the custody thereof.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 823, 1946.)
10.36.210 Dogs--Release conditions .
The director shall not release any dog which has been redeemed by the owner unless such dog does not have rabies, and:
A. The owner exhibits a certificate signed by a veterinarian licensed either by the state of California or by any other state to practice veterinary medicine that:
1. Such dog has been vaccinated with approved rabies vaccine within a period of not more than 12 months after the dog’s initial vaccination if the dog was between four months and one year in age at the time of such initial vaccination; or
2. Such dog has been vaccinated with approved vaccine within the past 36 months; or
3. Such dog should not be vaccinated with rabies vaccine because such vaccination would jeopardize the health of such dog due to infirmity or other disability, which infirmity or disability and the estimated date of termination is shown on the face of the certificate; or
4. A department veterinarian has so vaccinated such dog within the times specified in subsection A of this section.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 37, 2006; Ord. 2000-0075 § 40, 2000: Ord. 87-0036 § 16, 1987: Ord. 85-0204 § 19, 1985: Ord. 83-0182 § 17, 1983: Ord. 10298 § 8, 1971: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 826, 1946.)
10.36.220 Dogs--Nonpayment of impound fees and charges--Abandonment.
The refusal or failure of the owner of any impounded dog to pay the fee and charges after due notification shall be held to be an abandonment of the dog by the owner.
(Ord. 2000-0075 § 41, 2000.)
10.36.230 Release of animals--Proof of proper care required.
The director shall not release to its owner, or sell, any animal that has been impounded in accordance with the provisions of this Division 1, unless the person to whom the animal is released or sold provides satisfactory proof that the animal will be maintained in accordance with the provisions of the ordinance codified in this Division 1 or any other ordinance or statute.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 832, 1946.)
10.36.240 Purchase of animals without current, valid tag--Waiver of liability for unhealthy animals.
Notwithstanding any other section of this Division 1, any diseased, ill, unwell or unhealthy animal may be purchased not less than four business days after impoundment, at the discretion of the director, provided the purchaser signs a waiver of liability as to any existing disease, illness or injury.
(Ord. 2000-0075 § 42, 2000: Ord. 11398 § 1, 1976: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 833, 1946.)
10.36.245 Animal not suitable for placement.
The director may declare an individual animal not suitable for placement which demonstrates aggressive behavior, prior history of such behavior, or is irremediably suffering from a serious illness or severe injury.
(Ord. 2000-0075 § 43, 2000.)
10.36.250 Purchase of animals--Exchange following sale permitted when.
Any purchaser of a dog or cat, other than at auction, within seven days after such purchase (excluding the day of purchase) may exchange such dog or cat for another dog or cat. If the amount which the director would charge for the substituted dog or cat is greater than the amount paid for the original dog or cat, the purchaser shall pay the difference. In no event will any part of the purchase price of the original dog or cat be refunded, even though the price of the substituted dog or cat is less than the price paid for the original dog or cat.
(Ord. 90-0089 § 7, 1990: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 813, 1946.)
10.36.260 Dogs and cats--Vaccination authorized when.
If the director finds that any dog or cat impounded in a county animal shelter probably can be sold, or that in order to protect the public health such dog or cat should be vaccinated, he may order the vaccination of such dog or cat with an approved rabies vaccine.
(Ord. 2000-0075 § 44, 2000: Ord. 85-0204 § 21, 1985: Ord. 83-0182 § 19, 1983: Ord. 10298 § 6, 1971: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 807, 1946.)
10.36.270 Examination for rabies authorized when.
If the director suspects that any animal impounded has rabies, he shall hold such animal for inspection by, and shall notify, the director of public health. The director of public health shall examine such animal, and if he believes such animal should be held for further observation, he shall so inform the director, who shall hold such animal as directed.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 38, 2006: Ord. 2000-0075 § 45, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 827, 1946.)
10.36.280 Release when no rabies found.
If the director of public health finds that such animal examined under Section 10.36.270 does not have rabies, the director shall release it or dispose of it as provided in this Division 1.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 39, 2006: Ord. 2000-0075 § 46, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 829, 1946.)
10.36.290 Confinement when rabies found.
If the director of public health finds that such animal examined under Section 10.36.270 is afflicted with rabies, the director shall confine it as directed by the director of public health.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 40, 2006: Ord. 2000-0075 § 47, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 828, 1946.)
10.36.300 Examination of animals suspected of rabies--Limitation on acts authorized.
Nothing in Sections 10.36.270, 10.36.280 or 10.36.290, or any other portion of this Division 1, shall be construed to either authorize or require any person, other than a person having a California State Veterinary License, to practice veterinary medicine, or to do any act in violation of the Business and Professions Code.
(Ord. 2000-0075 § 48, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 830, 1946.)
10.36.310 Destruction or other disposition--Animals running at large or maintained illegally.
Not less than four business days after taking up and impounding any animal found running at large without a current, valid identification issued by the department or other municipality in the county of Los Angeles, or which is otherwise being maintained contrary to the provisions of this Division 1, unless it sooner be redeemed by its owner, or is not suitable for adoption pursuant to Section 10.36.240 of this code, the director may destroy, or sell or give such animal to any entity, unless the disposition of such animal is covered by some other section of this Division 1.
(Ord. 2000-0075 § 49, 2000: Ord. 83-0182 § 20, 1983: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 8 § 831, 1946.)
10.36.340 Spaying or neutering--Condition of sale--Deposit required.
As a condition to the sale or giving away of any dog that has not been spayed or neutered, the purchaser or recipient shall deposit with the department of animal care and control, at the time of the sale or giving away, an amount determined by the director to be sufficient to cover the costs of neutering or spaying the dog but in no event shall such deposit exceed $40.00. Such deposit is to be paid to a licensed veterinarian upon proof that he has performed the required neutering or spaying operation within the time period as set forth in Section 10.36.370, and may include an amount necessary to recover any additional costs to the department under this chapter.
(Ord. 85-0205 § 4, 1985.)
10.36.350 Spaying or neutering--Condition of sale--Deposit of moneys.
Whenever, in connection with the sale of any dog, the director shall receive a deposit to cover the cost of spaying or neutering, the money so received shall be deposited in a trust fund in the county treasury.
(Ord. 85-0205 § 5, 1985.)
10.36.360 Spaying of neutering--Deposit paid to veterinarian.
Whenever a dog has been spayed or neutered as provided herein, the depositor shall be entitled to have the deposit paid to the licensed veterinarian performing the above operation, or the director may return the deposit to the person purchasing or receiving the dog upon written statement or receipt from the licensed veterinarian that the dog has been spayed or neutered, and the director shall draw the necessary demand on the auditor therefor.
(Ord. 85-0205 § 6, 1985.)
10.36.370 Spaying or neutering--Deposit forfeited without proof of operation--Conditions.
Any dog over six months of age at the time it is sold or given away shall be spayed or neutered within 60 days or the deposit shall be deemed forfeited. Any dog under six months of age at the time it is sold or given away shall be spayed or neutered within 60 days after reaching the age of six months or the deposit shall be deemed forfeited. The director may extend such time periods in writing upon the showing of good cause therefor. The age of the dog for purposes of this chapter shall be determined by the department. At least 30 days before the end of the said 60-day period, or any written extension thereof, the department shall send the purchaser notice by mail to the address on file with the department, informing the purchaser that failure to furnish satisfactory proof of performance of the operation prior to the end of the 60-day period or its extension shall result in forfeiture of the deposit. If said notice has been sent and the allotted time has elapsed without satisfactory proof of performance of the operation, the deposit shall be forfeited and the director shall transfer such money from the trust fund to the county treasury.
(Ord. 85-0205 § 7, 1985.)
10.36.380 Spaying or neutering--Deposit refund conditions.
Whenever any dog which has been purchased from the department of animal care and control, while it was under the age of six months, dies or is destroyed prior to being spayed or neutered as required in this chapter, the purchaser shall be entitled to a refund upon presenting satisfactory proof to the director of such death or destruction, and the director shall draw the necessary demand on the auditor therefor. No refund shall be made, however, where death or destruction occurs following the time within which the aforementioned operation was required to be performed.
(Ord. 85-0205 § 8, 1985.)
10.37.010 Purpose of this chapter.
Within the county of Los Angeles there are potentially dangerous and vicious dogs that have become a serious and widespread threat to the safety and welfare of the citizens of the county which should be abated. The provisions of this chapter set forth the procedures by which a dog is found to be a potentially dangerous dog or a vicious dog, thereby becoming subject to appropriate controls and other actions. This chapter is intended to supplement rather than supplant any other remedy available under state statute or county ordinance.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.020 Potentially dangerous dog--Definition.
Potentially dangerous dog means any of the following:
A. Any dog which, when unprovoked, on two separate occasions within the prior 36-month period, engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury when the person and the dog are off the property of the owner or custodian of the dog;
B. Any dog which, when unprovoked, bites a person or otherwise engages in aggressive behavior, causing a less severe injury than as defined in Section 10.37.040;
C. Any dog which, when unprovoked, has killed, seriously bitten, inflicted injury, or otherwise caused injury to a domestic animal off the property of the owner or custodian of the dog. (Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.030 Vicious dog--Definition.
“Vicious dog” means any of the following:
A. Any dog that engages in or has been found to have been trained to engage in exhibitions of fighting;
B. Any dog which, when unprovoked, in an aggressive manner, inflicts severe injury on or kills a person;
C. Any dog previously determined to be and currently listed as a potentially dangerous dog which, after its owner or custodian has been notified of this determination, continues the behavior described in section 10.37.020 or is maintained in violation of section 10.37.130.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.040 Severe injury--Definition.
“Severe” injury means any physical injury to a human being that results in a major fracture, muscle tears or disfiguring lacerations or requires multiple sutures or corrective or cosmetic surgery.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.050 Enclosure--Definition.
“Enclosure” means a fence or structure suitable to prevent the entry of young children, and which is suitable to confine a potentially dangerous or a vicious dog in conjunction with other measures which may be taken by the owner or custodian of the dog. The enclosure shall be designed to prevent the animal from escaping. The animal shall be housed pursuant to section 597t of the Penal Code.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.060 Department--Definition.
“Department” means the department of animal care and control.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.070 Impounded--Definition.
“Impounded” means taken into the custody of the department.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
This chapter does not apply to humane society shelters, animal control facilities, or veterinarians or to dogs while utilized by any police department or any law enforcement officer in the performance of police work.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.090 Right of entry and inspection.
A duly authorized employee or agent of the department or any law enforcement officer may enter and inspect private property in the manner as set forth in Section 10.12.210. Upon inspection, the department may act to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.100 Authority to seize and impound animal posing an immediate threat to public safety.
A. If upon investigation it is determined by the animal control officer or law enforcement officer that probable cause exists to believe the dog in question poses an immediate threat to public safety, then the animal control officer or law enforcement officer may seize and impound the dog pending the hearing to be held pursuant to this chapter. The owner or custodian of the dog shall be liable for the costs and expenses of keeping the dog impounded if the dog is later adjudicated potentially dangerous or vicious. Such costs and expenses shall be paid prior to the release of the dog.
B. When a dog has been impounded pursuant to subsection A and it is not contrary to public safety, the director of the department of animal care and control shall permit the animal to be confined at the owner's expense in a department-approved animal or veterinary facility.
(Ord. 2011-0011 § 9, 2011: Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.110 Potentially dangerous or vicious dog hearing.
If an animal control officer or a law enforcement officer has investigated and determined that there exists probable cause to believe that a dog is potentially dangerous or vicious, the director of the department of animal care and control shall petition the Superior Court, within the judicial district wherein the dog is owned or kept, for a hearing for the purpose of determining whether or not the dog in question should be declared potentially dangerous or vicious.
Whenever possible, a complaint received from a member of the public which serves as the evidentiary basis for the animal control officer or law enforcement officer to find probable cause shall be sworn to and verified by the complainant and shall be attached to the petition. The director of the department of animal care and control shall notify the owner or custodian of the dog that a hearing will be held by the Superior Court, at which time he or she may present evidence as to why the dog should not be declared potentially dangerous or vicious. The owner or custodian of the dog shall be served with notice of the hearing and a copy of the petition, either personally or by first class mail with return receipt requested. The hearing shall be held promptly within no less than five working days nor more than 10 working days after the service of the notice upon the owner or custodian of the dog. The hearing shall be conducted as a limited civil case pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 85, et seq., and shall be open to the public. The court may admit into evidence all relevant evidence, including incident reports and the affidavits of witnesses, limit the scope of discovery, and may shorten the time to produce records or witnesses. A jury shall not be available. The court may find, upon a preponderance of the evidence, that the dog is potentially dangerous or vicious and shall make other orders required or authorized by this chapter. The court may decide all issues for or against the owner or custodian of the dog even if the owner or custodian fails to appear at the hearing.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.120 Notice of determination and appeal.
A. Following the hearing conducted pursuant to Section 10.37.110, the owner or custodian of the dog shall be notified in writing of the determination and order issued, either personally or by first class mail, postage prepaid by the court. If the petitioner or the owner or custodian of the dog contests the determination, he or she may, within five days of the receipt of the notice of determination, appeal the decision, which appeal shall be made to the Superior Court before a judge other than the judge who originally heard the petition. The fee for filing an appeal shall be the fee provided for by Section 31622(a) of the Food and Agricultural Code and shall be payable to the county clerk. The petitioner or the owner or custodian of the dog shall serve notice of the appeal upon the other party personally or by first class mail, postage prepaid.
B. The court hearing the appeal shall conduct a hearing de novo, without a jury, and make its own determination as to potential danger and viciousness and make other orders authorized by this chapter, based upon the evidence presented. The hearing shall be conducted in the same manner and within the time periods set forth in Section 10.37.110. The court may admit all relevant evidence, including incident reports and the affidavits of witnesses, limit the scope of discovery, and may shorten the time to produce records or witnesses. The issue shall be decided upon the preponderance of the evidence.
C. The court hearing the appeal may decide all issues for or against the owner or custodian of the dog even if the owner or custodian fails to appear at the hearing.
D. The determination of the court hearing the appeal shall be final and conclusive upon all parties.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.130 Conditions of ownership of potentially dangerous dogs.
A. The dog shall be properly licensed, micro chipped, and vaccinated at the owner’s expense, prior to release to the dog’s owner or custodian. The department may include the designation in the registration records of the dog, after the court has determined that the designation applies to the dog.
B. The dog, while on the owner’s property, shall, at all times, be kept indoors, or in a securely fenced yard or enclosure from which the dog cannot escape, and into which children cannot trespass. The yard or enclosure must be inspected and approved in writing by the department prior to release of the dog to its owner or custodian.
C. The dog may be off the owner’s premises only if it is muzzled and restrained by a substantial leash, not exceeding six feet in length, and if it is under the control of an adult capable of restraining and controlling the dog. At no time may the dog be left unattended while off the owner’s premises.
D. The owner or custodian of the dog shall notify the department immediately in the event the dog is at large, or has committed an attack on any person or animal, has been sold or otherwise disposed of, or has died.
E. The dog must complete an obedience course at the owner’s expense within 60 days after release of the dog to its owner or custodian. The course shall be a course approved by the department.
F. The dog must be spayed or neutered at the expense of the owner or custodian prior to the release of the dog to its owner or custodian.
G. The dog may be required to wear a bright fluorescent yellow collar visible at 50 feet in normal daylight, which will be provided by the department at the owner’s expense.
H. The owner or custodian of the dog may be required to maintain general liability insurance covering property damage and bodily injury caused by a potentially dangerous or vicious dog, with a combined single limit of $300,000.00 per occurrence, and may be required to show proof of such insurance within 30 days after the court has made its determination.
I. All charges for services performed by the department pursuant to this Section 10.37.130 and all fines shall be paid prior to the release of the dog to its owner or custodian. If said charges and fines are not paid within 30 days after the date the services are performed or the fines are ordered to be paid, the dog shall be deemed to be abandoned to the department.
J. The owner of a dog which has been determined to be a potentially dangerous dog as defined in Section 10.37.020, shall pay a fine not to exceed $500.00 for each separate basis upon which said determination was made. Said fine shall be paid to the department for the purpose of defraying the costs of the implementation of this chapter.
K. A judicial officer may impose such other reasonable conditions as are deemed necessary to protect the public safety and welfare.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.140 Consequences of vicious dog determination.
A. A dog determined to be a vicious dog may be destroyed by the department when it is found, after proceedings conducted under Section 10.37.110, that the release of the dog would create a significant threat to the public health, safety and welfare.
B. If it is determined that a dog found to be vicious shall not be destroyed, the judicial authority shall impose the conditions upon ownership of potentially dangerous dogs required by Section 10.37.130, the conditions required by this section, and any other conditions necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
C. The enclosure that is required pursuant to subsection B of Section 10.37.130 shall be an enclosure which is enclosed on all sides, and which is locked by a padlock. It may be required to have a top and a cement floor. The enclosure must be approved in writing by the department.
D. The owner or custodian of a vicious dog must give written notice of the vicious dog determination to United States Post Office (local branch) and all utility companies which provide services to the premises where the dog is kept. The owner or custodian shall provide a copy of such notice to the department within 30 days after the court determination that the dog is vicious.
E. The owner or custodian of the dog shall post one or more signs on the premises at a location(s) approved by the department stating that a dog which has been determined to be vicious resides on the premises.
F. The owner of a dog which has been determined to be a vicious dog pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.37.030 shall pay a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 for each separate basis upon which said determination was made. Said fine shall be paid to the department for the purpose of defraying the cost of the implementation of this chapter.
G. The owner of a dog determined to be a vicious dog may be prohibited from owning, possessing, controlling, or having custody of any dog for a period of up to three years, if it is found at the hearing conducted pursuant to the petition to declare the dog vicious, that ownership or possession of a dog by that person would create a significant threat to the public health, safety, and welfare.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.150 Penalty for violation of conditions.
The failure of an owner or custodian of a dog released after a hearing pursuant to Section 10.37.110 or 10.37.120 to comply with any of the conditions imposed by the court is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000.00 or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.160 Removal of designation.
If there are no additional instances of the behavior described in Section 10.37.020 within a 36-month period from the date of designation as a potentially dangerous dog, the dog shall be removed from the list of potentially dangerous dogs. The dog may, but is not required to be, removed from the list of potentially dangerous dogs prior to the expiration of the 36-month period if the owner or custodian of the dog demonstrates to the department that changes in circumstances or measures taken by the owner or custodian, such as the training of the dog, have mitigated the risk to the public safety.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
A. No dog may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious if any injury or damage is sustained by a person who, at the time the injury or damage was sustained, was committing a wilful trespass or other tort upon premises occupied by the owner or custodian of the dog, or was teasing, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog, or was committing or attempting to commit a crime. No dog may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious if the dog was protecting or defending a person within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified attack or assault. No dog may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious if an injury or damage was sustained by a domestic animal which at the time of the injury or damage was sustained was teasing, tormenting, abusing or assaulting the dog.
B. No dog may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious if the injury or damage to a domestic animal was sustained while the dog was working as a hunting dog, herding dog, or predator control dog on the property of, or under the control of, its owner or custodian, and the damage or injury was to a species or type of domestic animal appropriate to the work of the dog.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.37.180 Infraction/misdemeanor penalty for dog bites.
In addition to the conditions and restrictions imposed on the ownership of potentially dangerous and vicious dogs set forth in this chapter, an owner or custodian of a dog who permits, allows or causes a dog to run, stray or be uncontrolled or at large upon a public street, sidewalk, park or other public property, or in or upon the private property of another person, is guilty of a public offense punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor if such dog bites, attacks or causes injury to any person or to a domestic animal.
(Ord. 2001-0042 § 2 (part), 2001.)
10.39.010 Rodeos--Purpose of section--Permit required.
A. The purpose of this section is to provide the department with a method to supervise and enforce minimum safety standards in the care and conduct of animals used in rodeos. The department shall establish standard rules and safety regulations for the general conduct of rodeos in order to accomplish such purpose.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7.90.590 of this code, any applicant for a rodeo permit shall furnish the department with the following:
1. A list of all proposed events and acts including the dates, times and locations of all events and acts;
2. A detailed diagram of the arena indicating the location of chutes, catch chutes and pens for all events and acts; and
3. A copy of the applicant’s rules and regulations which will govern the conduct of the contestants and events, except that such rules shall be consistent with the standard rules and regulations for rodeos established by the department.
C. No person shall intentionally trip or fell any equine animal by the legs or by any means whatsoever for the purpose of entertainment or sport.
(Ord. 95-0016 § 2, 1995: Ord. 90-0089 § 8, 1990.)
10.40.010 Animal care--Requirements for owners and animal establishments .
Every person, within the county of Los Angeles, who owns any animal or who owns, conducts, manages or operates any animal facility for which a license is required by this Division 1, shall comply with each of the following conditions:
A. Housing facilities for animals shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair, to protect the animals from injury, to contain the animals, and to restrict the entrance of other animals.
B. All animals shall be supplied with sufficient good and wholesome food and potable water that is free from debris and is readily accessible and available as often as the feeding habits of the respective animals require.
C. Animals shall be groomed and kept in a manner which is not injurious to their health. All animal buildings or enclosures shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition to control odors and to prevent the spread of disease.
D. All animals shall be so maintained as to eliminate excessive and nighttime noise.
E. No animals shall be without attention more than 12 consecutive hours; whenever an animal is left unattended at a commercial animal facility, the telephone number of the department of animal care and control, or the name, address and telephone number of the responsible person, shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the front of the property. Animal facilities that breed dogs shall comply with the applicable minimum staffing requirements set forth in Section 10.40.200.
F. Animals shall not be neglected, teased, abused, mistreated, annoyed, tormented or in any manner made to suffer by any person or means.
G. No condition shall be maintained or permitted that is or could be injurious to the animals. Tethering of animals is prohibited except as permitted under California Health and Safety Code Section 122335.
H. Animal buildings and enclosures shall be so constructed and maintained as to prevent escape of animals. All reasonable precautions shall be taken to protect the public from the animals and the animals from the public.
I. Every animal facility shall isolate sick animals so as not to endanger the health of other animals.
J. Every building or enclosure where animals are maintained shall be constructed of material easily cleaned and shall be kept in a sanitary condition and in good repair. The building shall be properly ventilated to prevent drafts and to remove odors. Heating and cooling shall be provided as required, according to the physical need of the animals, with sufficient light to allow observation of animals and sanitation. An animal facility housing animals must be equipped with working smoke alarms and have means of fire suppression, such as a sprinkler system in each room where animals are kept, or functioning fire extinguishers.
K. An animal shall be taken to a veterinarian for examination or treatment, if the director finds it necessary to maintain the health of the animal, and orders the owner or custodian to do so.
L. All animal enclosures, including, but not limited to rooms, cages, and kennel runs, shall be of sufficient size to provide adequate and proper accommodations for the animals kept therein. An enclosure with a wire bottom may only be used temporarily, and be in compliance with Health and Safety Code Sections 122065 and 122065.5.
If enclosures, such as crates and other mobile enclosures are stacked upon one another, or on a surface other than the floor, the crates/enclosures must be securely fastened and designed and arranged so that: there is no danger of an enclosure falling; the animals do not have direct access to one another; and waste from one (1) enclosure cannot be transmitted to another enclosure. Food and water containers must be secured to prevent spillage. Crates may be stacked no more than two (2) crates high.
M. Every violation of an applicable regulation shall be corrected within a reasonable time to be specified by the director.
N. Proper shelter and protection from the weather shall be provided at all times.
O. An animal shall not be given any alcoholic beverage, unless prescribed by a veterinarian.
P. Animals which are natural enemies, temperamentally unsuited, or otherwise incompatible, shall not be quartered together, or so near each other as to cause injury, fear or torment. If two or more animals are so trained that they can be placed together and do not attack each other or perform or attempt any hostile act to the others, such animals shall be deemed not to be natural enemies.
Q. Any tack, equipment, device, substance or material that is, or could be, injurious or cause unnecessary cruelty to any animal shall not be used.
R. Working animals shall be given adequate rest periods. Confined or restrained animals shall be given exercise appropriate for the individual animal under particular conditions.
S. An animal which is overheated, weakened, exhausted, sick, injured, diseased, lame or otherwise unfit shall not be worked, used or rented.
T. Any animal which the department has suspended from use may not be worked or used until released by the department.
U. Animals bearing evidence of malnutrition, ill health, unhealed injury or having been kept in an unsanitary condition shall not be displayed.
V. Any animal whose appearance is or may be offensive or contrary to public decency shall not be displayed.
W. No animal shall be allowed to constitute or cause a hazard, or be a menace to the health, peace or safety of the community.
X. A person shall not violate any condition imposed by the director on any license issued by the department.
(Ord. 2011-0011 § 10, 2011: Ord. 2000-0075 § 52, 2000: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 9 § 901, 1946.)
10.40.015 Sale of live animals--Prohibited at swap meet.
Any person who maintains, operates, leases, rents or lends space at a swap meet shall not permit, cause, display for, or promote the sale of live animals at such swap meet. “Live animal” as defined by this section shall include, but is not limited to dogs, cats, birds, fish, poultry, rabbits and livestock.
(Ord. 85-0204 § 26, 1985.)
10.40.016 Sale of animals on shelter property.
No person shall sell, barter, give away or accept animals on shelter property unless authorized by the director.
(Ord. 2000-0075 § 53, 2000.)
10.40.020 Young rabbits or fowl--Certain acts prohibited.
A. A person shall not:
1. Sell, offer for sale, barter, or give away, as pets, toys, premiums or novelties any baby chickens, ducklings or other fowl under three months of age, or rabbits under two months of age; or
2. Color, dye, stain or otherwise change the natural color of the above-described fowl or rabbits; or
3. Bring or transport the above-described fowl or rabbits into the county of Los Angeles.
B. This section does not prohibit any act prohibited by, or permitted by, Section 599 of the Penal Code or any other statute.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 9 § 902, 1946.)
10.40.030 Young rabbits or fowl--Display, maintenance or sale permitted when.
This chapter does not prohibit the sale or display of any of the fowls or rabbits described herein, in proper facilities by breeders or stores engaged in the business of selling for commercial breeding or raising, or for food, or their exhibition at any fair, show or exhibit where such fowls or animals are displayed for commercial purposes and in the interest of improving agriculture or industry.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 9 § 903, 1946.)
10.40.040 Dog kennels--Records required for each animal.
A. The holder of an animal facility license shall maintain the following current records, which shall be available for inspection on the premises:
1. The name, current address and telephone number of the owner of each animal kept at the animal facility;
2. The date the animal entered and left the animal facility, including the records of animals that die while at the facility;
3. The reason for the animal being at the animal facility, such as for boarding, sale, breeding or grooming;
4. The description of the animal, including its age, breed, sex, color and other available identifying information, such as an animal license number, tattoo or microchip registration number.
B. A current, valid rabies certificate shall be maintained for every dog over four months of age while the dog is kept at the animal facility.
C. Any animal facility selling dogs and cats to the public shall post a conspicuous notice containing the following information on each dog or cat's cage: the breeder's name, address and license number. If the breeder's name is not known, then the name and address of the person from whom the dog or cat was obtained shall be displayed. (Ord. 2011-0011 § 11, 2011: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 9 § 905, 1946.)
10.40.050 Dog kennels--Surfacing and sanitation of dog runs.
Dog kennel runs shall be of concrete, provided with adequate draining for proper sanitation, or, if sand or pea gravel is used, droppings must be picked up and disposed of and the runs treated periodically with an effective disinfectant.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 9 § 906, 1946.)
10.40.060 Animal nuisances prohibited where.
A. A person having custody of any dog or animal shall not permit, either wilfully or through failure to exercise due care or control, any such dog or animal to commit any nuisance upon the sidewalk of any public highway; or upon the floor of any common hall in any apartment house, tenement house, hotel or other multiple dwelling; or upon any entranceway, stairway or wall immediately abutting on a public sidewalk; or upon the floor of any theater, shop, store, office building or other building used in common by the public; or upon the floor or stairway of any depot or station or public waiting room; or upon the floor, stairway, entranceway, office, lobby or patio used in common by the public; or, without the consent of the owner or person in lawful occupation thereof, any lawn, yard, or any other private property whatever, which is either improved or occupied.
B. It is unlawful for the owner or person having custody of any dog or other animal to permit, either wilfully or through failure to exercise due care or control, any such dog or animal to commit any nuisance and to allow such nuisance to thereafter remain upon any public or private property not owned or possessed by the owner or person in control of said animal, provided that the person who owns, harbors, keeps or has charge or control of a dog (other than a sightless person who has charge or control of a guide dog) shall immediately and securely enclose all feces deposited by such dog in a bag, wrapper or other container and dispose of the same in a sanitary manner. Any person (other than a sightless person with a guide dog) who has charge or control of a dog in a location other than on the property of such person or the property of the owner of the dog, shall have in his or her possession a suitable wrapper, bag or container (other than articles of personal clothing) for the purpose of complying with the requirements of this section. Failure of such person to carry such wrapper, bag or container when in charge or control of a dog in a location other than on property of such person or the property of the owner of the dog or animal shall constitute a violation of this section.
C. For the purpose of this section a “nuisance” committed by a dog or animal shall mean defecation by said animal.
(Ord. 85-0204 § 23, 1985: Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 9 § 904, 1946.)
A. Any animal (or animals) which molests passersby or passing vehicles, attacks other animals, trespasses on school grounds, is repeatedly at large, damages and or trespasses on private or public property, barks, whines or howls in a continuous or untimely fashion, shall be considered a public nuisance.
B. Every person who maintains, permits or allows a public nuisance to exist upon his or her property or premises, and every person occupying or leasing the property or premises of another and who maintains, permits or allows a public nuisance as described above to exist thereon, after reasonable notice in writing from the department of animal care and control has been served upon such person to cease such nuisance, is guilty of a misdemeanor. The existence of such nuisance for each and every day after the service of such notice shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense.
(Ord. 2000-0075 § 54, 2000: Ord. 85-0204 § 24, 1985.)
10.40.070 Wild animals--Enclosure requirements.
All wild animals shall be maintained in buildings, enclosed yards, paddocks or cages, as specified by the director, and such shall be kept at distances from adjacent buildings as specified in Los Angeles County Zoning Ordinance 1494, codified at Title 22, and Los Angeles County Public Health Code Ordinance 7583, codified at Title 11.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 9 § 907, 1946.)
10.40.080 Wild animals--Exemptions to applicability of Division 1 regulations.
The provisions of this Division 1 shall not apply to any person keeping or maintaining in his possession or control any wild animal when such person is only transporting such animal through the county and has taken adequate safeguards to protect the public, and has notified the Los Angeles County sheriff’s department and the director of the proposed route of transportation and time thereof.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 9 § 909, 1946.)
10.40.090 Liability of licensees for acts of employees.
Any act or omission of any employee in caring for the animals is assumed to be an act or omission of the licensee.
(Ord. 9454 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 4729 Art. 9 § 910, 1946.)
10.40.100 Kennel or pet shop license holders to provide lists of animals sold--Vaccination requirements.
A. Each holder of an animal facility license within the authority of Los Angeles County shall provide the department of animal care and control with a regular listing of all animals sold, including the name and address of the owner, according to the procedure and form as provided by the director.
B. An advertisement for the sale or adoption of an animal shall include the animal facility license number or breeding license number of the seller.
C. Every animal facility shall obtain a rabies vaccination for each dog within its custody or control in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.20.220. Upon the sale of any dog for which an animal facility has obtained a vaccination pursuant to this section, the owner of the animal facility shall provide the purchaser of the dog with the certificate of vaccination.
(Ord. 2011-0011 § 12, 2011: Ord. 90-0089 § 9, 1990: Ord. 83-0182 § 22, 1983.)
10.40.200 Breeding license, restrictions and requirements.
A. General Requirements.
1. Dog Breeding License. A dog breeding license is an animal facility license issued to a person who breeds dogs commercially. A person, as defined in Section 10.08.190, applying for a dog breeding license shall comply with all licensing requirements set forth in Section 10.28.050, all other applicable ordinances, and all federal and State laws, including, but not limited to Heath and Safety Code Section 122045 et seq. Approval from the Veterinary Public Health division, Environmental Health division, or any other division of the Department of Public Health, may be required if necessary, due to health concerns. The size category of the dog to be bred (Adult size: 1-20 lbs.; 21-50 lbs.; 51-100 lbs.; and 101+ lbs.) and the number of dogs to be housed at the facility shall be noted on the license. A change in the size category of dogs bred requires reinspection and a new license application.
2. Breeding Facilities Housing Fifty (50) or Fewer Sexually Intact Dogs Over the Age of One (1) Year. An animal facility may not have more than a total of fifty (50) sexually intact dogs over the age of one (1) year, unless it meets the requirements of Subsection A.3. below. An animal facility having fifty (50) or fewer dogs shall have adequate staffing on the premises of the animal facility to attend to the dogs at least eight (8) hours in every twenty-four (24) hour period, so long as the dogs are not left unattended for longer than twelve (12) continuous hours. Whenever the dogs are left unattended, the telephone number of the department of animal care and control, or the name, address and telephone number of the responsible person, shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the front of the property.
3. Breeding Facilities Housing Fifty-One (51) or More Sexually Intact Dogs Over the Age of One (1) Year. The director may approve an application for fifty-one (51) or more dogs if the applicant complies with the following additional requirements:
a. Facilities with fifty-one (51) or more sexually intact dogs over the age of one (1) year will be reinspected more frequently. The number of reinspections per year is determined by the number of dogs housed in the facility:
51-75 dogs: one (1) annual reinspection;
76-100 dogs: two (2) annual reinspections;
101-125 dogs: three (3) annual reinspections;
126-150 dogs: four (4) annual reinspections;
151 + dogs: five (5) annual reinspections.
b. The animal facility demonstrates that it is able to house and care for the number of dogs in compliance with the requirements of this section and all applicable requirements of Title 10;
c. The animal facility provides a written medical program, approved by a California licensed veterinarian, to prevent and control illness and parasitism. The program must include a regular de-worming schedule and a regular vaccination schedule against commonly transmitted canine diseases, and must be updated annually;
d. The animal facility maintains records on site, demonstrating that an annual veterinary examination has been performed on each intact male or female dog over one (1) year of age. The record of each exam must reflect that a physical exam consisting of auscultation and palpation, and a visual evaluation of the dog including eyes, ears, mouth and general body condition was performed. The record of each exam must also include the weight, temperature, heart rate, respiration, any significant medical findings relating to the dog's condition, and any recommendations for treatment;
e. The animal facility obtains approval from the director of an emergency response plan, which is updated annually; and
f. The animal facility maintains adequate staffing at the facility eighteen (18) hours a day to attend to the animals. Whenever an animal is left unattended, the telephone number of the department of animal care and control, or the name, address and telephone number of the responsible person, shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the front of the property.
B. Health of Breeding Dogs.
1. A female unaltered dog shall be at least twelve (12) months old before being bred. Records of litters birthed are required to be maintained pursuant to Subsection D below;
2. Offspring shall not be removed from the premises earlier than eight (8) weeks of age except for medical reasons ordered by a California licensed veterinarian. The order shall be in writing, state the medical reason for early separation, and be provided to the department, if requested, up to two (2) years after its issuance.
C. Housing Requirements.
1. The animals shall be housed in accordance with Section 10.40.010;
2. Each pregnant dog shall be housed separately at least three (3) days before giving birth and be monitored at reasonable intervals;
3. A dog who has just given birth shall be provided with a contained nesting area and housed with her litter in their own run or enclosure until the newborns are weaned.
D. Dog Identification and Recordkeeping.
1. The following current records shall be maintained and produced upon request to determine licensing compliance or for any other purpose relating to the public health, safety or welfare. These records shall be provided to a purchaser of any dog sold or transferred to another person by the facility:
a. All dogs shall be microchipped or tattooed upon reaching the age of four (4) months or prior to sale or transfer, whichever is earlier. Microchip and tattoo records shall be kept for all dogs.
b. In addition to the records required by California Health and Safety Code Sections 122050 and 122055 relating to dogs, breeding facilities shall keep the following records for all dogs: the date and from whom the dog was acquired; the date of each litter birthed by each female animal; veterinary records; and the cause of death and the method of disposal.
2. Knowingly providing false information or records relating to any animal is a misdemeanor.
E. Reasonable Restrictions on the Breeding of Animals Other Than Dogs. Breeders of animals other than dogs, which are normally kept as pets for sale or exchange in return for consideration, shall comply with all applicable requirements of Section 10.40.010. In addition, the director may impose reasonable conditions on a breeding license, including a limitation on the number of animals permitted at a facility and may impose recordkeeping requirements, in the interest of the health and safety of the public and of the animals.
F. Noncompliance--Penalties. The penalties for violations of any provision of this Section 10.40.200 are as follows:
1. First Violation. A first violation shall be an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250). If the owner or custodian fails to correct the underlying cause of the violation within thirty (30) days after being notified of the violation, it shall be deemed a second violation.
2. Second Violation. A violation within a year of a first violation shall be deemed a second violation. A second violation is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed six (6) months or by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both. Each subsequent violation within one (1) year shall be considered an additional misdemeanor.
G. Noncompliance--Injunctive Relief. Any act or failure to act which is a violation of this Section 10.40.200 may be the subject of a civil action to enjoin the person so acting or failing to act to conform his or her conduct to the provisions of this Section 10.40.200. The filing and prosecution of such an action shall, in no way limit the authority or ability of the County to enforce the requirements of Section 10.40.200 or impose penalties or take any other action permitted by law.
(Ord. 2011-0011 § 13, 2011.)
10.48.010 Title of Division 2 provisions.
The ordinance codified in Division 2 of this title shall be known, as the “animal health ordinance” and may be cited as such.
(Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 1 § 1, 1926.)
10.48.020 Provisions to supplement state law.
This Division 2 shall in all respects be construed to supplement and harmonize with the provisions of the laws of the state of California pertaining to animal industry.
(Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 2981 § 6, 1937; Ord. 1570 § 1, 1928: Ord. 1415 Art. 1 § 2, 1926.)
As used in this Division 2:
A. “Accredited veterinarian” means one who has been so designated by the Director of the Animal Disease Eradication Division, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
B. “Animals” means any horses, mules, asses, cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, poultry, birds, rabbits, dogs, cats, or any animal or animals ordinarily considered as wild animals, which are kept in captivity or under control or ownership of any person for any purpose.
C. “Approved veterinarian” means one so designated by the California Department of Agriculture to buy, possess or use tuberculin.
D. “Garbage” means all discarded food, animal offal, or fruit and vegetable waste resulting from the preparation of food, or any manufactured product thereof, from, but not limited to, private dwellings, flats, canneries, kitchens, boarding houses, apartment houses, hotels, restaurants, or other place or institution, public or private, where garbage is produced, or the waste or cleanings from chickens or other fowl, rabbits or other animals, or fish or other sea food, that have been prepared for, or intended to be used as food. “Garbage” does not include market refuse, or the hides, fat or bones of four-footed animals, or grease, meat scraps or other similar material being transported to a rendering plant for processing.
E. “Immediate slaughter” means and applies to animals shipped to a public stockyards and released therefrom for slaughter, and to animals shipped to the plant or premises of a firm regularly engaged in the slaughter of animals under approved inspection.
F. “Infectious disease” means and includes any infectious, contagious or communicable disease considered by the director of health services to be dangerous to the welfare of the county of Los Angeles and to the health of the animals therein, sufficient to warrant putting into effect the provisions of this Division 2 and his rules and regulations.
G. “Institution” means any school, hospital, rest home, sanitarium, church, club, or any other establishment.
H. “Market refuse” means waste vegetables or fruit, or the cuttings, trimmings, residue or scraps therefrom, that have resulted from the preparation of vegetables or fruit in markets or packing houses for public sale in markets, and shall not include meat scraps, bones or other garbage.
I. “Modified accredited area” is an area so declared by the Director of the Animal Disease Eradication Division, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, as the result of official tuberculin tests of all cattle in said area, to have less than one-half of one percent of infection.
J. “Packing house” means any place where meat, fruit, vegetables or fish are packed, prepared or stored.
K. “Person” means any person, firm, company, association or corporation, their agents or employees.
L. “Stockyards” means and applies to any stockyard, corral or premises wherein public trading in animals is carried on, or where yarding, feeding and watering facilities are provided, and where federal, state or county inspection is maintained for the inspection of animals for infectious diseases.
M. “Tuberculin test” means any test approved by the Animal Disease Eradication Division, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, for the detection of tuberculosis in animals.
(Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 2 §§ 18--30, 1926.)
10.48.040 Director of public health--Powers and duties generally.
A. It shall be the duty of the director of public health, acting in cooperation with the Chief of the Division of Animal Industry, California Department of Agriculture, to enforce all laws of the state of California and all orders and ordinances of the board of supervisors of the county of Los Angeles pertaining to the health and sanitary surroundings of the animals in said county, and for that purpose he is empowered and authorized by and with the approval of the board of supervisors to establish, maintain and enforce such quarantine, sanitary, testing and immunizing measures or to promulgate such rules and regulations as he may deem proper and necessary.
B. He shall regulate the movement of animals from stockyards, corrals and feed yards; supervise examination and testing of animals or premises for the presence of contagious, infectious or communicable diseases; provide for the ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections of animals slaughtered and meat products prepared; provide for the sanitation of plants and premises upon which animals are kept or upon which such slaughtering and preparation are conducted, enforce any and all regulations concerning the feeding of garbage, and construction and sanitation of hog ranches; provide for the identification and disposition of diseased animals, meats and meat products.
C. He shall attend such meetings and conferences as may be called from time to time by the local representative of the Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture or the Director of Agriculture.
D. He shall investigate within the state of California any reported outbreak of contagious, infectious or communicable disease, the presence of which in the state may constitute a menace to the health of animals in the county of Los Angeles.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 41, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965: Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 5252 § 1, 1948; Ord. 3621 § 2, 1940; Ord. 2981 §§ 2, 3, 5 and 7, 1937; Ord. 1425 §§ 1 and 3, 1926; Ord. 1415 Art. 1 § 5, 1926.)
Whenever by the provisions of this Division 2 a power is granted to the director of public health, or a duty imposed upon the director of public health, the power may be exercised or the duty performed by a deputy of the director of public health or by a person authorized pursuant to law by the director of public health, unless it is expressly otherwise provided.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 42, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965: Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1425 § 3, 1926: Ord. 1415 Art. 1 § 6, 1926.)
10.48.060 Violation of Division 2 provisions--Penalty.
Any person, firm, association or corporation violating any of the provisions of the ordinance codified in Division 2 of Title 10 of this code shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 90-0089 § 10, 1990: Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 2981 § 1, 1937; Ord. 1415 Art. 1 § 4, 1926.)
If any provision of the ordinance codified in this Division 2 or application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of said ordinance, and the application of such provisions to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby.
(Ord. 8397 § 1(part), 1963: Ord. 3621, 1940; Ord. 1415 Art. 1 § 3, 1926.)
10.52.010 Stockyards or packing houses--Removing animals without permit prohibited when.
It shall be unlawful for any person to remove or to allow to be removed, except for immediate slaughter, any animals from any stockyard owned, controlled or operated by or in connection with or incidental to the operation of any slaughterhouse or packinghouse, except on permits issued by the director of public health.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 43, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 4 § 58, 1926.)
10.52.020 Stockyards or corrals--Removing animals without permit prohibited when.
It shall be unlawful for any person to remove or allow to be removed any animals from any stockyard, corral or premises maintained for the feeding or conditioning of animals, for any purpose other than immediate slaughter, without having secured a permit from the director of public health.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 44, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 4 § 59, 1926.)
10.52.030 Permit to remove animals from stockyards--Conditions.
The director of public health shall issue permits for the removal of animals from stockyards upon finding, by inspection, that such animals are free from any infectious disease. Findings as to the presence or absence of such infectious disease shall be final; provided, however, that such permit may be granted conditional on such treatment, immunizing, dipping or other curative or preventative measures as may be necessary for the public welfare.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 45, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 4 § 60, 1926.)
10.52.040 Hog ranch regulations--Feeding garbage to animals.
The director of public health shall, from time to time, by and with the approval of the board of supervisors, promulgate rules and regulations to control the feeding of garbage to animals and the location, construction and maintenance in a sanitary manner of hog ranches.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 46, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 8 § 128, 1926.)
10.56.010 Importing or transporting diseased animals unlawful--Exceptions.
It is unlawful for any person to bring into or receive in, or to transport from place to place within, the county of Los Angeles, except for the purpose of immediate slaughter, any animals affected with any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease, without a permit from the director of public health, except such diseased animals as are specifically permitted to enter the state of California and the county of Los Angeles under federal or California State regulations, and only under the conditions and for the purpose prescribed in the federal and state regulations governing movement of animals.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 47, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 5 § 71, 1926.)
10.56.020 Importation permit--Required when--Stockyard and animal-care standards.
A. It is unlawful for any person to bring into or receive in the county of Los Angeles any cattle, sheep, swine, horses or goats, for any purpose other than immediate slaughter, without a permit from the director of public health; provided, however, that when such cattle, sheep, swine, horses or goats, other than cattle imported for dairy or breeding purposes, are unloaded from a vehicle into public stockyards where federal, state or county inspection is maintained for the inspection of animals for infectious diseases, such permit shall not be required until they are to be removed from such stockyards.
B. Such stockyards shall be approved by the director of public health and shall be so constructed as to permit humane handling, proper control without inhumane crowding or delay, and thorough inspection, including provisions for restraining individual animals. They shall be so constructed with regard to height and strength of fences and gates as to prevent the escape of animals. They shall permit animals to be fed, rested and watered with sufficient potable water. Proper drainage, and facilities for disinfection (when required by the director of public health), and provisions for the removal of accumulations of manure and the prevention of the formation of mud and wallow, shall be supplied. Such approval may be withdrawn in the event such stockyards at any time fail to comply with the requirements of this section.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 48, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 5 § 72, 1926.)
10.56.030 Animals for slaughter--Procedure for moving and unloading.
All animals entering the county of Los Angeles for the purpose of immediate slaughter by any method of transportation or by driving on hoof must be moved directly to a public stockyards or to the premises upon which they are to be slaughtered, except that such animals in railroad shipments may be unloaded enroute in order to comply with the provisions of what is known as the “28-hour law” of the United States Department of Agriculture.
(Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 5 § 73, 1926.)
10.56.040 Dairy and breeding cattle--Identification and report requirements.
Immediately upon arrival of dairy or breeding cattle into the county of Los Angeles, the fact of such arrival shall be reported to the director of public health. The director of public health shall mark the cattle for identification with tags or otherwise, and make a record showing the date of arrival, description of the cattle, the name of the owner and of the person in charge of the cattle, and the place in which they are to be kept. No person shall remove or tamper with any identification mark placed on an animal by the director of public health for the purpose of identification.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 49, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 5 § 74, 1926.)
10.56.050 Dairy and breeding cattle--Holding period required--Exception.
No person shall sell or move any dairy or breeding cattle from place to place within a period of 120 days from the date of their arrival, unless such cattle have been released by the director of public health.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 50, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 5 § 75, 1926.)
10.56.060 Animals imported illegally--Quarantine, examination and disposal restrictions.
All animals brought into the county of Los Angeles in violation of any of the provisions of the ordinance codified in this Division 2 shall be subject to quarantine, examination and test, at the expense of the owner, by the director of public health, who may dispose of such animals to comport with the welfare of the county of Los Angeles and the protection of the health of the animals therein.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 51, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 5 § 76, 1926.)
10.60.010 Holding period before tuberculin injection--Exception.
No person shall inject or cause to be injected tuberculin into any cattle brought into the county of Los Angeles for a period of 120 days after their arrival, except by permission of the director of public health.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 52, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 6 § 87, 1926.)
10.60.020 Tuberculin injection--Conditions.
No person shall inject, or cause to be injected, tuberculin into any cattle, except when used in connection with a tuberculin test as defined in subsection M of Section 10.48.030.
(Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 6 § 88, 1926.)
10.60.030 Tuberculin tests--Records required.
The following records of all cattle tuberculin tested in Los Angeles County must be filed with the director of public health within five days after completion of the test: Owner, address or location of herd, number of cattle in the herd; number of cattle tested, number of cattle reacting, such description as would identify each animal tested, identification number of each animal tested.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 53, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 6 § 89, 1926.)
10.60.040 Interference with tuberculin tests prohibited.
No person shall move from any premises any cattle upon which a tuberculin test has been started until the same shall have been completed without the permission of the veterinarian conducting such test, nor in any way interfere with the proper conduction of such test after it shall have been started. (Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 6 § 90, 1926.)
10.60.050 Testing cattle for tuberculosis authorized when.
Whenever the director of public health has cause to believe that there is danger that any cattle brought into the county of Los Angeles are afflicted with tuberculosis, he shall cause such cattle to be examined and tested for tuberculosis. Such test or tests may be made at any time within 120 days after the arrival of such cattle into the county of Los Angeles.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 54, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 6 § 91, 1926.)
10.60.060 Dairy and breeding cattle--Test required before sale--Exceptions.
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale any cattle for dairy or breeding purposes in the county of Los Angeles, unless such cattle have been examined and tested for tuberculosis within 30 days preceding such sale by a federal or state veterinarian, or the director of public health, or by a veterinarian duly authorized by such officials to apply such test; provided, that this section shall not apply to cattle which have been regularly tested by representatives of the federal or State Department of Agriculture under the laws, rules and regulations applicable to dairies operating under the Federal Accredited Herd Plan, or the Food and Agricultural Code of the state of California; and further provided that the 30-day period may be waived by the director of public health at his discretion.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 55, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 6 § 92, 1926.)
10.60.070 Costs of tuberculin testing.
Whenever an owner requests of the director of public health that his cattle be tested for tuberculosis, the expense of such test shall be borne by the owner, unless said request is made under the provisions of the Food and Agricultural Code of the state of California, and said owner agrees, in writing, to conform in all respects to said state law and the rules and regulations of the director of public health applying to tuberculin tests and disposal of reacting animals; provided, that whenever five or less cattle are sold for dairy and breeding purposes and test for tuberculosis is required under the provisions of this chapter, the director of public health shall, at the request of the owner thereof, conduct one such test without charge within a period of six months.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 56, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 6 § 93, 1926.)
10.60.080 Branding of tubercular cattle required.
A. All cattle which are shown by examination of tuberculin test to be afflicted with tuberculosis shall be immediately marked for identification by branding the letter “T” on the left jaw.
B. The letter “T” used for the branding of reacting animals shall be three inches in height from top to bottom and three inches wide at the top, and the branding edge shall not be less than one-quarter of an inch in width.
C. No animals so branded shall be slaughtered or disposed of in any manner whatsoever, or removed from the premises where located when branded, unless permission is first obtained from the director of public health or from the Director of the State Department of Agriculture.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 57, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 6 § 94, 1926.)
10.64.010 Infectious diseases--Report and quarantine procedures.
A. When the director of public health has determined that an infectious disease exists among animals in any other county or area of the state of California and the importation of animals from such county or area might spread such disease among the animals within the county of Los Angeles, the director of public health shall notify the board of supervisors thereof, designating and describing the county or area wherein such disease has been found and shall, with their approval, establish quarantine restrictions against such county or area as the circumstances warrant.
B. The director of public health may refuse to permit shipments of animals originating in such areas to enter the county of Los Angeles unless accompanied by a certificate signed by a state or federal veterinarian which shall satisfactorily prove that there is no possibility that the animals for which such certificate is issued are infected with or exposed to any infectious disease. Any animals entering the county of Los Angeles from any county or area so described and designated without such certificate may be quarantined by the director of public health and confiscated or disposed of in such manner as to eliminate any danger of the animals within the county of Los Angeles being exposed to infection from such disease.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 58, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 3 § 41, 1926.)
10.64.020 Duty to report infectious diseases and assist enforcement.
It is hereby made the duty of any person suspecting or having knowledge of the presence of any infectious diseases in animals to report same to the director of public health. It shall be the duty of any person owning or having control of animals to assist the director of public health to enforce the provisions of this Division 2, to obey all orders of the director of public health made for the control and eradication of infectious diseases, the sanitation of premises, destruction of animals, and disposal of carcasses, manure, offal, refuse, condemned meat and meat products.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 59, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 3 § 42, 1926.)
10.64.030 Right of entry for inspection--Quarantine and other protective measures authorized when.
A. Upon information received by the director of public health of any infectious disease affecting animals within the county of Los Angeles, he shall proceed to thoroughly investigate the same.
B. The director of public health is hereby empowered to enter any premises where animals are kept, or on which he has reason to believe that animals are kept, in order to carry into effect the provisions of Division 2 of Title 10, and it shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with the official action of the director of public health.
C. The director of public health may quarantine, for a reasonable period of observation and until such tests as may be required to ascertain the presence or absence of any infectious disease are completed, any animals which are suspected of being infected with or exposed to an infectious disease, or the premises upon which such animals are kept, or both.
D. Upon discovering of any infectious disease affecting animals in the county of Los Angeles, the director of public health shall have the power and it shall be his duty to establish such quarantine, sanitary, testing, immunizing and police regulations as may be necessary to control or eradicate such disease and prevent the spread thereof to other animals.
E. The director of public health may quarantine any animals which may have been exposed to infection from such diseased animals or which may have been located upon the land or premises where such diseased animals have been kept, and thereafter it shall be unlawful for any person to break such quarantine or to move or allow to be moved any such animals from within the premises thus quarantined, or across the quarantine line so established, without first obtaining from the director of public health a permit to do so. If the director of public health deems it proper to issue such a permit after inspection, he may cause such animals, premises and vehicles of transportation, and any infected material, equipment or effects, to be properly cleaned and disinfected.
F. The owner of any quarantined animal shall be responsible for bearing all costs incurred by the county as a result of said quarantine.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 60, 2006: Ord. 97-0055 § 10, 1997: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 3 § 43, 1926.)
10.64.040 Interference with notices prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person during the existence of a quarantine established under Section 10.48.030 to remove, tear, deface, mutilate, obscure or otherwise destroy, or in any other manner whatsoever interfere with any placard, notice or proclamation declaring such quarantine, placed on or about the premises on which any of said animals so quarantined are located.
(Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 3 § 44, 1926.)
10.64.050 Watercourses--Protection from quarantined animals and infectious materials.
It shall be unlawful for any person to permit any animals quarantined under Section 10.64.030 to have access to any irrigation ditch, stream or other channel in which water is running or may run at any time through such quarantined premises, or to allow such animals to come in contact with other animals which may have access to any irrigation ditch, stream or other channel so mentioned, or to permit the depositing in such irrigation ditch, stream or channel of any manure, offal, excrement or material which might carry infection, or to allow the drainage from any premises so quarantined to come in contact with such irrigation ditch, stream or other channel aforementioned.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 61, 2006: Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 3 § 45, 1926.)
10.64.060 Glanders disease--Destruction requirements.
It shall be the duty of the director of public health, whenever the fact shall have been determined by him that any animals are affected with the disease known as glanders, to kill such diseased animals, and have the premises thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and to order the owner of such animals to cremate, bury or deliver such animals to a rendering works approved by the director of public health. If the owner of such animals fails, neglects or refuses to bury, cremate or deliver same to an approved rendering works within a period of 24 hours from the issuance of such order, the director of public health shall cause the same to be buried, cremated or delivered to an approved rendering works, at the expense of the county, and the expense of such burial, cremation or delivery to an approved rendering works shall be charged against such owner, to be recovered by action in the name of the county of Los Angeles.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 62, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965: Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 3 § 46, 1926.)
10.64.070 Foot-and-mouth disease--Right of entry for examination--Holding period authorized.
When the director of public health has reason to believe that there is a possibility that foot-and-mouth disease exists on any premises in the county of Los Angeles, he shall have the power to enter said premises and to place and keep thereon such animals as may be necessary to determine the presence of foot-and-mouth disease in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture, and to keep them there under his supervision and control for a period not to exceed 50 days.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 63, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965: Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 3 § 47, 1926.)
10.68.010 Restraint of animals for testing--Owner responsibility--County costs authorized when .
A. The owner or person in charge of animals shall properly confine in stanchions or chutes any animals which the director of public health may designate for the purpose of examination, injection, observation, administration of tuberculin or mallein, or other specific tests or procedures.
B. If the owner or person in charge refuses to properly confine such animals for examination or test within 24 hours after he is requested to do so by the director of public health, the director of public health may employ help and incur such expense as is necessary to properly control such animals for the purposes mentioned.
C. The expense so incurred shall be a lien upon said animals and shall be recovered by action in the name of the county of Los Angeles, unless paid within 10 days after written notice of the amount has been given by the director of public health to the owner or person in possession of said animals.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 64, 2006: Ord. 8962 § 1 (part), 1965; Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 6 § 105, 1926.)
10.68.020 Sanitation requirements generally.
Every premises where animals are kept, fed, stabled or otherwise cared for, or any premises on which a hog ranch or slaughterhouse is maintained, or where meat products are prepared for food, shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
(Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 7 § 116, 1926.)
10.68.030 Harboring rats or other rodents prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person to maintain a rat or other rodent menace where animals are kept.
(Ord. 8397 § 1 (part), 1963: Ord. 1415 Art. 7 § 117, 1926.)
10.72.010 Duty to report designated diseases--Form of report.
A. All veterinarians, all persons in charge of kennels and all persons making a business of having charge, custody or control of animals, who have knowledge of or have reason to suspect that an animal is infected with tuberculosis, glanders, anthrax, rabies, actinomycosis, cysticercosis, trichinosis, tuleraemia and coccidiosis, or any other infectious disease which might become epidemic and transmissible to mankind, shall, within 24 hours, report to the director of public health the following facts:
1. The name and address of the owner of the animal;
2. The number of animals infected;
3. The probable source of infection;
4. The steps taken for control; and
5. The name and address of the person making the report.
B. The director of public health shall supply appropriate forms on which such reports can be made.
C. In the case of tuberculosis the person making the report shall, in addition to the form prescribed in subsection B, send to the director of public health a copy of the tuberculin test as prescribed by the State Department of Agriculture.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 65, 2006: Ord. 1114 § 1, 1924.)
10.72.020 Tissue samples required when.
The director of public health may require veterinarians who have been in charge of or who have been called upon to treat any animal with any of the following diseases, to submit to him or to a laboratory designated by him, a specimen of tissue for verification of diagnosis: glanders, anthrax, actinomycosis, cysticercosis, trichinosis, tuleraemia and coccidiosis. In the case of rabies, the director of public health may require the submission of the head of the animal detached from the body. (Ord. 2006-0040 § 66, 2006: Ord. 1114 § 2, 1924.)
10.72.030 Director of public health investigation, enforcement and quarantine authority.
It shall be the duty of the director of public health to make an investigation in the case of all animal diseases transmissible to mankind, and to take such steps as may be necessary for the protection of the public health to prevent the spread of such diseases to mankind, and in the performance of such duty he shall have the authority to enforce such quarantine measures as it may be necessary.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 67, 2006: Ord. 1114 § 3, 1924.)
Any person, firm or corporation who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 90-0089 § 11, 1990: Ord. 1123 § 1, 1924: Ord. 1114 § 3 1/2, 1924.)
As used in this chapter, “person” includes every person, firm and corporation.
(Ord. 6722 § 1, 1955.)
10.76.020 Signs identifying premises and owner required.
Every person maintaining an apiary on premises other than that of his residence shall identify such apiary by affixing a sign thereto showing the name of the owner or person in possession of the apiary, his address, his telephone number, if any, and if there is no telephone, a statement of that fact. (Ord. 6722 § 2, 1955.)
10.76.030 Signs on hives--Location and description.
Persons designated in Section 10.76.020 shall affix the required sign on the longer side of the hive or longer side of the super, prominently located on the entrance side of the apiary, and shall at all times maintain such sign thereon. Such signs shall be in black letters at least one inch in height on white or other contrasting color.
(Ord. 6722 § 3, 1955.)
10.76.040 Signs on hives--Lettering.
The lettering of signs required by Section 10.76.020 shall be printed or stenciled, or equivalent there to, in black paint or black ink.
(Ord. 6722 § 4, 1955.)
10.76.050 Violation deemed misdemeanor.
Every person violating any provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 6722 § 5, 1955.)
10.80.010 Transporting dogs in open vehicles prohibited when.
A. No person shall transport any dog in or on the back or bed of any open truck or other open vehicle while traveling on any county road, street, highway, lane or alley.
B. This section shall not apply to any person who transports a dog in any open truck or other open vehicle which is partially enclosed by stakes, racks or other similar devices which rise at least two feet, nine inches above the tops of the sides and back of the vehicle, and which are designed to prevent the dog from falling or escaping from the vehicle.
(Ord. 12051 § 1 (part), 1980: Ord. 12004 § 1, 1979.)
Violation of any provision of this chapter is a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 90-0089 § 12, 1990: Ord. 12004 § 2, 1979.)
10.84.010 Providing food for certain rodents or predator animals prohibited.
A. Except as otherwise provided for herein, no person shall feed or in any manner provide food to a nondomesticated rodent or a nondomesticated mammalian predator.
B. For purposes of this chapter:
1. “Rodent” includes ground squirrels;
2. “Mammalian predators” includes coyote, raccoon, fox and opossum.
(Ord. 81-0029U § 1 (part), 1981.)
10.84.020 Feeding animals permitted when.
A person may feed or provide food to a nondomesticated rodent or a nondomesticated mammalian predator under the following instances:
A. When the person is the owner of such a rodent or mammalian predator, and such rodent or predator is kept under a valid certificate or permit issued by the State of California Department of Fish and Game;
B. When the person feeds or provides food to a trapped, injured or unweaned nondomesticated rodent or predator between the time the agency in charge of animal control or its designated agent is notified and picked up by said agency.
(Ord. 81-0029U § 1 (part), 1981.)
A violation of any provision of this chapter shall be an infraction.
(Ord. 90-0089 § 13, 1990: Ord. 81-0029U § 1 (part), 1981.)
10.86.010 Interference with police dogs.
It is unlawful for any person to wilfully tease, torment, agitate, provoke, beat, kick, strike, injure, maim, disable, kill, or in any way interfere with any dog being used in a police function by law enforcement officers.
(Ord. 82-0034 § 1 (part), 1982.)
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, (Ord. 90-0089 § 14, 1990: Ord. 82-0034 § 1 (part), 1982.)
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I. Individual Animal Licenses.
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Fees
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Every person owning a dog or cat over the age of four months shall obtain an annual license and tag for each such dog or cat; except, there shall be a one-time-only fee for registration of discharged military dogs, for guide dogs or Seeing Eye dogs, for signal dogs trained to assist the hearing impaired, and for service dogs trained to perform tasks to assist the physically handicapped, upon payment of the following fees:
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A. Dog license and tag fees:
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Dogs over four months:
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1. Unaltered (Unspayed/unneutered)
($5 of each fee received is designated for low cost spay/neuter program)
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$60.00
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2. Altered (Spayed/neutered)
($5 of each fee received is designated for low cost spay/neuter program)
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20.00
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3. Senior citizen--Spayed/neutered dog
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7.50
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4. Delinquency charge for annual license renewal equivalent to the cost of the license, will be added to the license fee if the renewal application is submitted more than 10 calendar days past the expiration date of a license, or if a license application was not otherwise timely submitted.
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5. Replacement of tag or official license receipt
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5.00
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6. Transfer of ownership
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5.00
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7. Discharged military dogs (one-time registration fee)
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5.00
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8. Guide dogs or Seeing Eye dogs, signal dogs, and service dogs (one-time registration fee)
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5.00
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9. Field enforcement fee: The owner or custodian of a dog found unlicensed by a department employee in the field will be charged a field enforcement fee.
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40.00
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B. Cat license fees:
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1. Unspayed/unneutered
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10.00
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2. Spayed/neutered
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5.00
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3. Replacement cat tag
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5.00
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4. Transfer of ownership
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5.00
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5. Delinquency charge for annual license renewal equivalent to the cost of the license, will be added to the license fee if the renewal is submitted more than 10 calendar days past the expiration date of a license, or if a license application was not otherwise timely submitted.
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6. Field enforcement fee: The owner or custodian of a cat found unlicensed by a department employee in the field will be charged a field enforcement fee.
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40.00
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C. Other animals--Licenses required:
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1. Pygmy pigs
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50.00
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2. Wild animals
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100.00
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3. Delinquency charge for annual license renewal equivalent to the cost of the license, will be added to the license fee if the renewal is submitted more than 10 calendar days past the expiration date of a license, or if a license application was not otherwise timely submitted.
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4. Field enforcement fee: The owner or custodian of an animal found unlicensed by a department employee in the field will be charged a field enforcement fee.
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40.00
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D. Voluntary identification and registration:
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Any dog or cat may be registered in the department's Voluntary Identification Program. Such animal shall be assigned an identification number by tattoo, microchip or other available means of identification, at the owner's request, upon the payment of the following fees:
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1. Initial identification and registration
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20.00
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2. Annual renewal
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10.00
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3. Transfer of ownership
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5.00
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II. Animal Facility Licenses.
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Fees
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Licenses for the animal facilities listed below are required to be obtained annually.
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A. Initial animal facility license fees (including inspection):
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1. License fees:
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a. Pet shop
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$250.00
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b. Grooming parlor/mobile
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250.00
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c. Animal menagerie
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250.00
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d. Wholesale wild animal dealer
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250.00
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e. Hobby breeder (See Section 10.20.045)
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250.00
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f. Rodeo
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(i) First day or one day event
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250.00
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(ii) Each additional day
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25.00
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g. Animal exhibition
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(i) First day or one day event
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250.00
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(ii) Each additional day
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25.00
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h. Pygmy pig breeder
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250.00
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i. Non-profit humane organization facility
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250.00
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j. Dog and cat breeding and/or boarding facility:
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For purposes of license fee computation, fee is based on 75 percent of the total capacity of the facility or the actual animal population housed at the time of the inspection, whichever is greater.
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(i) 4-20 dogs or cats
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300.00
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(ii) 21-50 dogs or cats
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350.00
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(iii) 51-75 dogs or cats
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400.00
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(iv) 76-100 dogs or cats
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450.00
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(v) Over 100 dogs or cats
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525.00
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2. Penalty for operation of an animal facility without license. A penalty equivalent to the cost of the license will be added to the license fee if a facility operates without a license.
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3. Fee reduction for each additional animal facility application made at the same location at the same time.
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125.00
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B. Renewal animal facility license fees (including inspection):
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1. All animal facilities:
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a. Pet shop
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175.00
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b. Grooming parlor/mobile
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175.00
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c. Animal menagerie
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175.00
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d. Wholesale wild animal dealer
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175.00
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e. Hobby breeder (defined in Section 10.20.045)
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175.00
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f. Pygmy pig breeder
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175.00
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g. Non-profit humane organization
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175.00
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h. Dog and cat breeding and/or boarding facility:
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For purposes of license fee computation, fee is based on 75 percent of the total capacity of the animal facility or the actual animal population housed at the time of the inspection, whichever is greater.
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(i) 4-20 dogs or cats
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225.00
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(ii) 21-50 dogs or cats
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275.00
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(iii) 51-75 dogs or cats
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325.00
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(iv) 76-100 dogs or cats
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375.00
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(v) over 100 dogs or cats
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450.00
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2. Delinquency charge for annual license renewal equivalent to the cost of the license, will be added to the license fee if the renewal is submitted more than 10 calendar days past the expiration date of a license, or if a license application was not otherwise timely submitted.
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3. Fee reduction for each additional animal facility renewal application made at the same location at the same time.
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50.00
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C. Miscellaneous fee provisions:
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1. Reinspection
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40.00
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2. Inspection fee for animal permits under Los Angeles County Code Sections 22.52.330 and 22.56.420--22.56.530
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50.00
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3. Businesses using dogs for protection (Sections 10.20.280 and 10.20.290)
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50.00
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4. Penalty for ownership of wild animal without license
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100.00
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(Ord. 2009-0043 § 15, 2009; Ord. 2009-0017 § 18, 2009: Ord. 2006-0029 § 6, 2006; Ord. 2004-0036 § 22, 2004; Ord. 2000-0075 § 58, 2000: Ord. 95-0016 § 3, 1995: Ord. 93-0002 § 7, 1993: Ord. 92-0110 § 6, 1992; Ord. 92-0086 § 1, 1992: Ord. 92-0056 § 1, 1992: Ord. 90-0137 § 22, 1990.)
FOOTNOTES FOR TITLE 10
11. For statutory provisions on animal diseases, see Food and Agric. Code § 9101 et seq.
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Section
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Ordinance History
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1.5
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Added by 5842 § 1, 1952.
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7
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In 1415.
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8
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In 1415.
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10
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In 1415.
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111/2
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Added by 1570 § 2, 1928; amended by 1865 § 1, 1930; 4501 § 1, 1945; 5860 § 10002, 1951.
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17
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In 1415.
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17B
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Added by 1436 § 1, 1926.
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31
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Renumbered from § 19 by 4442 § 1, 1945.
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These section numbers and the ordinances affecting them have never been repealed.
15. For statutory provisions on bovine tuberculosis, see Food and Agric. Code § 9901 et seq.
17. For statutory provisions on reports of animal diseases, see Food and Agric. Code § 9101.
19. For statutory provisions on the identification of apiaries, see Food and Agric. Code § 29245.