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CURRENT LEGISLATIVE MATERIALS: Material on this page © The Animal Council 2006, 2007, 2008
CALIFORNIA:
ALAMEDA COUNTY:
CITY OF BERKELEY The Berkeley Citizens Humane Commission meets monthly.
CITY OF OAKLAND report and recommendations on shelter operations. 11/1/07 A community meeting with
new shelter director Adam Parascandola will be held Monday 11/12, 7-8:30 pm, Park Blvd. Presbyterian Church,
4102 Park Blvd. - hosted by City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente and the Oakland Animal Welfare Group
(OAWG)
BUTTE COUNTY: Animal Control (pop 210,500, 5 incorporated cities: Chico, Oroville, Gridley, Biggs & Paradise)
4/8/08 Butte County Board of Supervisors agenda Item 5.02 included a total revision of the county animal
ordinance and fees (unaltered dog licensed up to $40/yr from $20). 4/9/08 The Board had sought a remedy for a
neighbor cat nuisance complaint rather than this total revision, which was sent back for additional consideration.
5/9/08 At its 5/6/08 meeting, the BOS approved on first reading the proposed ordinance revisions for barking dogs,
allowing citation on only one complaining party but reduced the numbers of cats allowed for parcels 1 acre or more
from proposed fewer than 12 over 3 mos. to only fewer than 8 and parcels under 1 acre from proposed fewer than
8 to only fewer than 6. Shelters, nonprofit humane societies and licensed vets would be exempt, but currently,
there is no provision for (cattery) permitting above these numbers. A second reading is required.
FRESNO COUNTY:
Fresno County unincorporated completed its amendments in December, 2005 with an increased unaltered
dog license of $39; breeding regulations incorporated within the unaltered dog license and minor
restrictions on transfers of dogs and cats. License Fees Ordinance changes
CITY OF FRESNO at its March 28, 2006 (minutes including council discussion) City Council meeting introduced 2
ordinances - Exhibit A regarding dangerous dogs, spay/neuter on multiple impounds and higher feel unaltered
dog license at 5 months incorporating breeding restrictions and the other, Exhibit B, requiring sterilization of all
dogs over 6 months and in the city over 30 days unless exempt for medical reasons, owner has applied for a
breeding permit or dog is "show quality" AKC or UKC (only) registered and "conforms" to the breeding permit
guidelines. Exhibit B had quietly added an undefined "guardian" term, as well. According to the Fresno Bee, the
Council voted unanimously to introduce the at large and dangerous dog provisions and 5-2 for breeding and sales
restrictions. The Executive Director of the Central California SPCA, the contract animal control provider had
recommended Exhibit A and against Exhibit B. The "Exhibit A" ordinances were on the consent calendar for the
April 4 City Council meeting. Updated 7/1/06 On April 4, the City Council adopted the "Exhibit A" Dangerous Dog (9-
224) provisions on the Consent Calendar and the "Exhibit A" Section 9-225 provisions by vote of 6-1.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY
NEW 4/29/07 HUMBOLDT COUNTY Board of Supervisors agenda May 1, 2007 again presents for introduction
the Sheriff's Department mandatory spay/neuter ordinance of dogs and cats at 4 months (exemptions for
designated or acceptable registries, service, law enforcement, proven hunting/livestock, SAR, boarding
trainers/resellers or medical). 4th violation is misdemeanor, up to 6 mos jail and/or up to $1,000 fine. No permit
process included.
Updated 5/2/07 BOS tabled ordinance indefinitely pending outcome of AB 1634 but resolved to support AB 1643
requiring a permit process.
KERN COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES DIVISION Animal Laws
Lock v. County of Kern (Kern County Case No. 254024) filed in 2004 and tried in 2006 concerning the County's non-
compliance with the Hayden and Vincent mandates with the Court granting the writ of mandate and injunctive relief.
KERN COUNTY UNINCORPORATED Board of Supervisors, in response to a high-profile presence of an alleged
"hoarding" situation, referred to Kern County Animal Control Commission development of ordinance amendments
affecting facilities with large numbers of dogs, i.e. yet another visit to limit laws. 8/15/06 BOS Agenda included a
Request from Taxpayers for Responsible & Ethical Animal Treatment (TREAT), in conjunction with Animal Friends
Rescue Project (AFRP), to present mandatory spay/neuter ordinance proposal. BOS referred the proposal to the
Commission.
UPDATED 1/17/07 The MSN proposal discussion continues on the Commission agendas (see agendas/minutes on
commission site) but the proposed amendments for facilities are now in draft form for future public workshops.
UPDATED 4/28/07 Proposed ordinance amendments re limits, $75 unaltered dog license, breeding permit, S/N
measures for public comment in a series of 10 workshops starting May 16, 2007 in Bakersfield. Updated 7/29/07 In
response to extensive public comment, Staff scaled back its original proposed amendments but added new
proposals, yet to be fully considered, in a July 18, 1007 report to the Commission. 8/16/07 ACS August 2007 Report
to BOS. Staff Report to Commission consolidating decisions made at September 19, 2007 meeting, under ongoing
discussion. 11/25/07 March 11, 2008 BOS meeting minutes under provision for referral to staff or take action to
have staff place a matter of business on a future agenda (Gov. Code Sec. 54954.2[a]), include "SUPERVISOR
MAGGARD MADE A REFERRAL TO RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY AND KERN COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL
COMMISSION TO REPORT BACK TO THE BOARD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2008 WITH ANIMAL CONTROL
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE GREATER BAKERSFIELD METROPOLITAN AREA; OPTIONS TO INCLUDE A MANDATORY
SPAY AND NEUTER COMPONENT PROVIDING A RANGE OF FLEXIBILITY AND EXEMPTION PROVISIONS, Maggard -
Watson: 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (McQuiston).
LAKE COUNTY
LAKE COUNTY in June 2005 enacted a variant mandatory sterilization ordinance, effective June 1, 2006, that
mandates sterilization of all dogs and cats over 4 months unless exempt under any of the specified categories for
which there is no permit requirement or fee. Also in effect in cities of Lakeport and Clearlake. NEW 6/21/07
LOS ANGELES COUNTY: Los Angeles County Animal Services (new URL 8/07)
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES Board of Supervisors at its January 31, 2006 meeting, approved a motion to
proceed with a SB 861 permitted ordinance for spay/neuter and breeding restrictions for Pit Bulls and Rottweilers
based on shelter over-representation. A September 2005 memorandum from Animal Care & Control Director
Marcia Mayeda detailed the County's dangerous dog enforcement approaches.
On Tuesday afternoon, February 21, the Board of Supervisors had scheduled a public hearing on the ordinance to
require mandatory spay/neuter of Pit Bulls and Rottweilers without an unaltered restricted dog license at $150 per
dog per year based on a complex, contingent permit system with criminal penalties for violation. Instead, the
Board accepted a recommendation from Director Mayeda to revise the proposal to include ALL DOGS, abandoning
the breed specific provisions. The matter was continued to April 25.
L. A. County BOS contact list with email links: PDF Word
L.A. County dog bite data by breed, 2001-2005
L.A. County Pit Bull Identification Checklist
L.A. County Rottweiler Breed Identification Checklist
General County info http://www.lacounty.info Agendas
http://bos.co.la.ca.us/Categories/Agenda/AgendaHome.asp
A press release of March 3 states that a public hearing and vote on an ordinance for s/n of ALL dogs will be held
on April 18. "There will be exemptions for medical problems, show dogs and other situations that are currently
being identified." http://antonovich.co.la.ca.us/pressrel/030306-dogs.htm
March 7 letter from Mayor Mike Antonovich
Director Mayeda's March 16, 2006 email describing ordinance to be $60 unaltered dog license issued ONLY if law
enforcement/service or assistance/"competition" dog and more.
The April 18 BOS agenda item 76 for public hearing is: "Hearing on proposed amendments to the County Code,
Title 10 - Animals, to require that all dogs be implanted with an identifying microchip; to establish a
Mandatory Spay and Neuter and Program for all dogs; to increase the annual license fee for unaltered dogs from
$30 to $60; and to increase the annual license fee for altered dogs from $15 to $20. (Continued from meeting of 2-
21-06) (06-0343) and as supplemented on 4/14. . . "altered dogs from $15 to $20; also approve appropriation
adjustment in the amount of $75,000 to be offset by unanticipated revenues funded by increased dog license fees.
(4-VOTES) (06-0343) See Supporting Document which includes a letter from Mayeda detailing her rationale in
addition to the ordinance. Ordinance passed 4-0, Supervisor Burke absent. Minor technical amendments being
made, back on May 2. Excerpted transcript Item 76 testimony, April 18 hearing. 124 KB May 2, 2006 BOS Agenda,
Item 109 under Ordinances for Adoption and Supervisor Antonovich's recommendation to send a five-signature
letter to the Mayors of all cities within the County urging adoption of a similar ordinance.
The ordinance was passed on May 3 and takes effect June 3. Excerpted transcript, Item 109, 5/2.
NEW 6/16/06 The entire Los Angeles County Code, Chapter 10, Animals including 2006 amendments.
Board of Supervisors motion to extend the grace period for the dog MSN/microchip ordinance by 6 months for
dogs NOT impounded and enhance community outreach efforts (30 day report back) (Knabe). UPDATED 9/4/06 At
the request of Supervisor Antonovich, this Item 79-B on the Supplemental Agenda was HELD. (Mo. by Knabe).
LA COUNTY CITIES' ACTION: Updated 3/21/08
Adopting: Agoura Hills, effective on 8/23/06, 6 mo. grace period; La Puente, effective on 8/8/06, 3 mo. grace period;
Walnut, effective 8/ 9/06, 3 mo. grace period.
11/29/06 Santa Clarita City Council at its 11/28/06 meeting introduced and unanimously passed on to a second
reading on December 12 of a proposed LA County conforming ordinance Council Directed staff to make one
change to the proposed language. The change would keep microchipping as a mandatory process but would make
it exempt from the proposed $250/$1,000 fine should a dog owner not comply. Dave Peterson, Manager of the
Community Preservation Division is the assigned staff person. Adopted, effective January 11, 2007.
Maywood 7/26/06, grace period ends 1/1/08
Inglewood 8/11/06 - grace period ends 1/1/08
Culver City 10/24/06, enforced, not eligible for low cost s/n vouchers, license fee schedule not adopted
La Habra Heights 11/06 - grace period ends 7/1/08
Bradbury, 1/18/07 - grace period ends 1/1/08
El Monte 5/17/07 - grace period ends 1/1/08 - MICROCHIPS/LICENSE FEES ONLY, MSN NOT ADOPTED
Compton 8/9/07 - grace period ends 1/1/08
San Fernando 9/5/07 - grace period ends 1/1/08, extended to 4/1/08
LA County Rejecting Cities: Covina, 9/19/06 City Council Agenda. Staff Report & Mayeda Letter
New 12/20/07 Nguyen v. County of Los Angeles (Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. BS112581) is a
petition for writ of mandate and injunctive relief regarding alleged illegal practices by the Los Angeles County
Department of Animal Care and Control and its personnel. (See Kern County for earlier case on this topic)
For further information.
CITY OF LONG BEACH (L.A. County) amended its long time prohibition on dog breeding to an ordinance of first
impression in mandating spay/neuter of all cats over 4 months without a medical exemption; allowing dog breeding
(1 litter per year) under a complex permit requiring a personal background check with results acceptable to the
Police Chief; and transfer permits for any dog not covered by a breeding permit and any cat other than rescue
organizations tax exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Fees for these permits will be determined by the City
Council rather than set by ordinance. Fines are $350-700 for the first violation and $700-1,000 subsequent. The
Ordinance passed unanimously, 7-0.
CITY OF LOS ANGELES;
City of Los Angeles Municipal Code, Click on Chapt V Public Safety & Protection, See Art. 3
Department of Animal Services 3rd Quarter FY 2006 Report details a number of legislative initiatives, actions and
concerns in which the Department of Animal Services is involved. These include mandatory sterilization
comparable to Los Angeles County. City of L.A. Department of Animal Services. The Board of Animal Services
Commissioners new link 6/23/07 at its June 12, 2006 meeting considered a Los Angeles County copycat ordinance
at the directive from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa that the Board order the Department of Animal Services to draft
such an ordinance. City Legislative Analyst report on Resolution to endorse AB 1634, 4/11/07
City Council Agenda Item 10, 4/17 City Council meeting. New 4/13/07 Updated 4/17/07, LA City Council unanimous
vote to support AB 1634. Only 4 opponents allowed to testify. New 5/5/07 May 9, 2007 Full City Council Agenda item
27 is a motion to draft MSN ordinance for dogs and cats over 4 mos consistent with AB 1634. Mtg starts 10 a.m.
Updated 5/10/07 May 9 agenda item carried over to Friday, May 11 Council Mtg. Continuation Agenda
8/1/07 DAS GM Boks obtained Commission approval 7/23/07 to pursue additional sterilization, breeding/transfer,
microchip ordinance (LAMC) amendments and fee changes. 8/2/07 July 23, 2007 letter from Boks to City Council
requesting ordinance amendment requiring dog/cat microchip on redemption from shelter. 8/3 July 26, 2007 letter
from Boks requesting ordinance amendments to spay or neuter any animals taken in or subject to enforcement
and to require microchipping of any animal to obtain a valid breeding permit and to strengthen breeding and
transfer regulation, and other related enabling modifications. 8/10 Referred to Council Pub. Safety Com.; waived
and referred to City Council, 8/14/07 Agenda Items 43 & 44, request City Atty to draft ordinances per 7/23 & 7/26
letters. 8/11 Reference: LAMC Sections 53.11-14, Impounds; 53.15.2. Breeding And Transfer Of Dogs And Cats
LA City Council 2007 Complete Contact List 8/14 City Council refers 43 & 44 to Public Safety Committee for hrngs.
2008 1/14/08 Commission Mtg, Boks' update on development of "Transfer Permit" ordinance. 1/28/08 Commission
Mtg, Boks' proposal for MSN ordinance, also before the City Council Public Safety Committee 1/28. 2/1/08 Friday
City Council Agenda Item 9 (p 6), MSN ordinance as above, MSN dogs/cats at 4 mos.; public hearing held last year,
File is subject February 4 deadline for action. 2/1/08 MSN ord. passed City Council 1st reading 10-1 (4 absent).
2/5/08 MSN ordinance returns to City Council for second vote, Friday, February 8 agenda, postponed to: 2/9/08
Supplemental Agenda, 2/12/08, 10 a.m. 2/12/08 File 07-1212 passed 14-1 (Rosendahl)
NEW 3/10/08 Integrated text LAAMC 53.15.2 as amended 2000, with newly enacted amended LAMC Sec. 53.15.2(b)
CITY OF PASADENA The May 5, 2008 City Council Agenda includes a first reading of a breed specific ordinance
enabled by the 2005 SB 861. 5/6/08 Proposal "HELD AND REFERRED BACK TO PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE FOR
FURTHER DISCUSSION."
MENDOCINO COUNTY ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL
NEVADA COUNTY:
NEW 11/06 Individuals have developed a mandatory s/n - unaltered certificate (Santa Cruz model) for dogs and
cats. The political prospects for this are uncertain. Animal Control is a division of the Sheriff's Department and
has achieved minimal euthanasia rates. Current Nevada County Humane Animal Control Ordinance
ORANGE COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY 34 CITY LINKS 2003-2004 Grand Jury Report
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH City Council approved at its April 16, 2007 meeting approved a directive to staff
(Keith Bohr document) to research issues and costs to enact a Los Angeles County style ordinance (MSN,
microchip including dogs, cats and rabbits.) (7 members, 5 yes, 1 no, 1 absent). 8/16/07 August 20, 2007 City
Council agenda Item E9, approval/authorization of the city's contract with the County of Orange for animal
services. 22 of the cities are involved to some extend in this contract. 8/31/07 Pursuant to the April 16, 2007 City
Council minutes the September 4 Agenda includes the Staff Report for a possible "LA County" Mandatory S/N and
microchip ordinance. 9/5/07 At its 9/4/07 meeting, the City Council voted 4 (Bohr, proponent; Green, Cook,
Coerper) - 3 (Carchio, Hansen, Hardy) to proceed with LA County-style MSN/Microchip ordinance, dogs AND CATS.
11/1/07 Monday, Nov. 5, 2007 City Council meeting agenda item G-2a. "Approve for Introduction Ordinance No. 3787
Amending Title 7 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) by Adding Chapter 7.10 Relating to a Spay,
Neuter and Microchip Identification Program for Dogs and Cats". 11/6/07 After a lengthy, heated meeting, the
Council took no vote and expected to consider a modified proposal at a later date, possibly December 17. 12/10/07
Postponed to Tuesday, January 22, 2008. 1/4/08 Postponed to first week of February. 2/2/08 February 4, 2008
Council agenda Item G-2b (city doc, all materials 1460kb) ordinance (redline): cat licensing, mandatory microchip for all
dogs and cats; dog/cat MSN at 6 mos. except entrants in approved event or members of approved club for breed
to be licensed; city business license required to advertise availability of any dog or cat for transfer and new fees.
2/5/08 HB City Council 6-1 (Boehr abstain) rejected MSN, microchipping and cat licensing, approved lesser fee
increase to $93 unaltered dog license/$23 altered and the business license required to advertise transfer, to be re-
drafted and brought back at a later meeting. 2/29/05 March 3 City Council Agenda Item G-2a, proposed ordinance
to amend chapter 7.08 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code relating to the licensing provisions of dogs and
cats and adding the requirement to display a business license number in any advertisement that offers dogs or
cats for adoption, sale, barter, or other transfer of ownership. 3/18/08 March 17 City Council meeting, voted to
align license fees with county schedule and delete the business license requirement (above).
RIVERSIDE COUNTY:
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE is expected to consider a Los Angeles County copycat ordinance including cats.
According to Robert Miller, Director, County of Riverside, Department of Animal Services, the draft ordinance is
still at County Counsel's and will not be available for review until it reaches the BOS agenda. For local news, see
the Press-Enterprise. The existing animal ordinance includes a $50 unaltered dog license and extensive other
provisions. County web site. Board of Supervisors contact link page. Riverside Animal Services aborted a
series planned series of 4 community forums after one presentation on Saturday, June 3 at which a "survey" was
collected from participants although the proposed ordinance was not available for review. Click on the link for
current agency information and description of the ordinance. DRAFT MICROCHIP ORD. DRAFT MANDATORY S/N
ORD.
4 new "Open Forums" on the proposed ordinances were held from July to October. These separate ordinances
have been under review by County Counsel and expected to return in 2007.
CITY OF RIVERSIDE City Council Public Safety Committee on March 19, 2007 heard a citizen oral presentation
requesting imposition of limits on numbers of pets. Press Coverage NEW 3/25/07
SACRAMENTO COUNTY:
UPDATED 5/17/07 COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO where an activist coalition has been plotting a high-fee
ordinance ($200 unaltered) for the last year held a workshop with the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors
on Tuesday, February 21st to advance its "Animal Overpopulation Ordinance" into the legislative process as the
first step of its plan to enact ordinances throughout the region. The Board unanimously directed staff to proceed
with developing an ordinance. Read the Coalition to Stop Animal Overpopulation's proposal and Workshop
Presentation. Contact the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and ask them to reject this proposal. County
BOS site. The Sacramento Area Animal Coalition Sacramento Shelter Statistics 2000-2003 showing the City of
Sacramento, County of Sacramento and private Sacramento SPCA in spreadsheet format with area totals and
including 2004. The proposal is mandatory s/n or $150 unaltered licensed with breeding rights or a reduced fee of
$50 without breeding rights for registered with either registry title or registry sanctioned event participation in
previous 12 months. Contacts above. Existing Sacramento County Animal law and license fees. Sacramento
County Animal Care & Regulation. Comments re proposal and existing ordinance. July 18 BOS Agenda lists at 2:30
p.m. Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic and at 3:00 p.m. -- Animal Overpopulation Ordinance (All) (Animal Care and
Regulation) (2/21/06, #43) THIS ITEM WAS CONTINUED AUGUST 1, TUESDAY, 3:30 p.m. The July 18 agenda package
(click on links on agenda) contains the proposed ordinance formatted by County Counsel to be integrated into
existing law and the staff document rationalizing the proposal as a panacea for shelter ills and revenue generator.
TAC opposition letter. The August 2 (Wednesday) agenda includes a review of department programs in the
morning and the pound seizure issue in the afternoon. Access agendas and materials from the BOS link. 8/1 BOS
heard a presentation by staff and began public testimony before continuing the matter to Tuesday, 8/15, 3:00 p.m.
to continue testimony and hear followup from staff to Supervisors' questions. 8/15 BOS took additional testimony
and directed staff to develop a facilitated process to bring opposing stakeholders to consensus for presentation
January 16, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. 1/10/07 Jan. 16 Agenda (2-2:15 pm) Report Back On The Animal Overpopulation
Ordinance (All) (Animal Care and Regulation) (8/15/06, #39) (NOTE: THIS ITEM WAS CONTINUED TO FEBRUARY 27,
2007 AT 2:30 P.M.) 2/21/07 To be continued to Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 2:30 pm per 2/27 agenda. Introduced on
unanimous vote per 4/17/07 Summary
(Item 73). Staff Memo; Facilitator's Report; Fee Schedule; Strike-though Ord; Finalized Ordinance
5/17/07 BOS final vote 5/8/07 Agenda, Item 31, passed 4-1 (Roberta McGlashan)
Updated 1/18/07 City of Rancho Cordova December 18 City Council meeting included a new animal ordinance to
fit the city's development following its incorporation and initial use of Sacramento County provisions.
Considerable authority is given to the "Neighborhood Services Supervisor". Michael Rodriquez (formerly of
Stanislaus County) is the Animal Services Manager and has been a frequent witness in favor of state bills in 2006.
On 12/18 the council unanimously waived the first reading and introduced the ordinance; January 16, 2007 agenda,
second reading.
CITY OF SACRAMENTO City Council approved February 20, 2007 agenda Consent Calendar, Item 13, a
Sacramento County style hi-fee unaltered ordinance amendment newly imposing cat licensing, sales restrictions
and a new administrative penalty provision, having advanced through the Animal Care Citizens Advisory
Committee and the City Council Law and Legislation Committee. City Council Contact Information Adopted at the
2/20/07 meeting was Resolution No. 2007-110 expressly giving authority to enforce listed state and local code
sections through citation and arrest to named animal control officers. At the February 27 City Council meeting, no
action was taken but , the Council was disinterested in hearing speakers and voted to vote the matter at a future
time without additional public testimony. 2/27/07 Item 11 March 20, 2007 City Council Item 13, passed.
Animal Care Citizens Advisory Committee Minutes: 1/07 2/07
NEW ORDINANCE EFFECTIVE APRIL 19, 2007 City of Sacramento Animal Services New License Fees
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY:
SAN BERNARDINO City Council on 3/5/07 approved a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for dogs, only, one of seven
council members opposed. Exceptions are for dogs used by law enforcement, veterinary excuses and dogs
registered with The American Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club or other national registry AND either have
competed in a show or competition in the prior 365 days OR attained a specified type of title from such a registry.
Failure to meet any of these conditions as well as a verified, written complaint that the owner allowed the dog to
run loose or escape; owner has violated any animal law or the dog has been determined dangerous will result in
revocation or denial of an unaltered dog license. Existing unaltered dog licenses are $60.00. Cat licensing is
voluntary, and cats are not included in the new ordinance. Staff report and ordinance. NEW 3/10/07
SAN DIEGO COUNTY:
IMPERIAL BEACH introduced amendments to its animal ordinance featuring an "owner/guardian" substitution
with the intent to place on owners a "higher burden" and definition: "“Owner/guardian" means any person, other
than a veterinarian or operator of a kennel, who owns, keeps, or harbors an animal for at least fifteen (15)days. If
an animal has more than one owner/ guardian then all such persons jointly and severally responsible for the duties
imposed on an owner/guardian in this Chapter." updated 7/7 At its July 5 meeting, the Imperial Beach City Council
unanimously passed the guardian proposal. Second and final passage July 19, 2006.
CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO made 3 separate amendments to its animal ordinance in late 2005
including spay/neuter and breeding regulations specifically for Pit Bulls. San Francisco Commission on Animal
Control and Welfare meets monthly, second Thursday except December, City Hall. Agendas, Minutes & More
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY:
7/13/06 CITY OF LODI on July 5 approved dog and cat license fee and other shelter fee increases despite an
estimate of only 15.6% compliance. Unaltered licenses rise from $20 to $50 and altered from $6 to $10. Low cost
s/n vouchers for low income residents were also approved. The Lodi Record reports that license fee increases
will not take effect until February 1, 2007. Lodi, which has its own animal shelter, is one of 7 cities in San Joaquin
County (population estimated 613,500): Escalon, Lathrop, Lodi, Manteca, Ripon, Stockton, and Tracy.
Updated 1/25/08 CITY OF STOCKTON at the 9/11/07 City Council meeting passed a number of ordinance changes
and fee increases ($100 unaltered dog/cat licenses, 1/2 rate Seniors over 55 & microchip required) expected to be
enacted by the County, as well. Stockton City/San Joaquin County Shelter
UPDATED 9/11/06 CITY OF RIPON August 15 City Council introduced a SB 861 enabled ordinance based on the
original San Francisco version but adding Bull Terriers and Miniature Bull Terriers. 8/15/06 Minutes The ordinance
was adopted unanimously on September 5 and will be effective date October 5. Copying SF wording resulted in
use of the guardian term in the proposal but is undefined and not in the existing municipal code.
SAN MATEO COUNTY: Historical San Mateo County POP Information
NEW 4/29/07 3 year extension of San Mateo County contract with Peninsula Humane Society. County-20 Cities
Contract.
AMENDED DANGEROUS ANIMAL ORDINANCE WAS ADOPTED BY THE 20 CITIES WITH ADDITIONAL VARIATIONS, 2005
January 10 & 24, 2006 Council Meetings City of Belmont is now considering its amendments to incorporate SMC
provisions into its animal ordinance. Belmont was the first SMC city to enact the "Pet Overpopulation Ordinance"
in November, 1994, including substituting the SMC limit/fancier permit for no limit. The ordinance was last
amended in 2003 and has not updated its fee schedule (codified rather than set by resolution.)
City Attorney Report
http://www.belmont.gov
City of Millbrae, one of 20 San Mateo County cities, enacting the County amended dangerous dog
provisions revised its entire animal ordinance. Only Millbrae and East Palo Alto still had NO limit laws. The new
part time police chief proposed a 3 dog/3cat limit with police issued permit for more and 4 of any other pet species
with police issued permit PLUS County "Pet Overpopulation" provisions and cat licensing and mandatory rabies
vaccination. Introduced as new business on October 25, the matter was continued to the November 8 meeting.
Millbrae, California City Council agenda animal control material, October 25, 2005
October 25, 2005 Minutes for Animal Control Agenda Item
November 8, 2005 City Council Agenda "Addendum to Animal Control Staff Report" 11/1/2005
from Thomas R. Hitchcock, part time Chief of Police from Brisbane argued that numerical limits are reasonable; cat
licensing is "not crucial," but "Spaying/neutering is recommended by PHS precisely because they want to avoid
euthanasia." He then incorrectly implied that the county ordinance was enacted in 1970. The second page was a
list of limits in SMC jurisdictions. "Addendum to Animal Control Staff Report"
At the November 8 meeting, the Millbrae City Council introduced the new ordinance and passed it, 5-0.
Millbrae City Council Minutes, November 3, 2005 The ordinance second reading was unanimously approved on the
Consent Calendar on November 22. New 2/07/07 Millbrae Cat law and regulations, 2006 New 3/21/07 Ordinance
New 6/11/07 City Council comments re Animal Control Contract Renewal
CITY OF SAN CARLOS, another San Mateo County city that amended its limit law downward from 3 to 2 in
conjunction with the county dangerous animal amendment. Existing law provided police department administered
permits for excess dogs or cats only for rescue purposes (up to 4 months) or "exigent circumstances" necessary
for the health and safety of the property owner or resident. The new law, effective January 12, 2006, includes a
$100 (established by resolution) per animal permit for more than two dogs or two cats that go outdoors. The
ordinance copy was furnished by the City Clerk. Note that list of sections is not complete and some additional
provisions from the prior San Carlos ordinance are included, however, previous permit sections are repealed.
There are no breeding permits, cat licensing/rabies or s/n on second impound provisions.
San Carlos Ordinance - 2006
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA County Board of Supervisors (5 members)
3/26/08 As noted in Lompoc, below, County Animal Services Director Jan Glick favors "mandatory spay neuter" and
a draft proposal for the County has been developing for months. 4/28/08 AC has requested BOS agenda item for
the May 6 meeting to receive a report and provide direction on the development of the MSN ordinance; authorize
outreach efforts for public input; and direct return and plan for implementation. This was approved and set at the
4/22/08 BOS meeting, sponsored by Supervisors Carbajal and Gray, motion by Wolf, second by Gray, unanimously
carried. May 6, 2008 agenda. 5/7/08 Proposed action not adopted; BOS to appoint 11 member task force, 2
appointees per Supervisor (4) and 3 per Chair. 5/8/08 Extract 5/6/08 minutes, motion passed 4-1 (Firestone):
"Create a task force to include County staff and selected members of the community/stakeholder groups (two
members from the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Supervisorial Districts, three members from the First
Supervisorial District) and to return to the Board as appropriate with proposed draft language for a spay/neuter
ordinance."
NEW 5/4/06 CITY OF LOMPOC City Council considered and continued recommendation "that the City Council
consider the future amendment of the Lompoc City Code’s animal control ordinances, to strengthen penalties and
control requirements for specific dog breeds exhibiting dangerous or potentially dangerous behavior toward
persons or other animals; and give appropriate direction to Staff." Lompoc Record
Updated 9/21/06 The City Council introduced and passed 4-1 an ordinance, redrafted in accordance with Council
direction at its 9/5 meeting requiring sterilization of ALL dogs (rather than BSL), with some exception. 9/19/06
Memo The 9/5 Staff Report had included a letter from Santa Barbara County Animal Services Director, Jan Glick,
stating interest in pursuing a Los Angeles County style ordinance for the entire county which provides animal
services by contract to Lompoc. An extensive report on the provision of animal services in Santa Barbara County
was provided along with the City's contract renewal. Updated 9/30/06 October 3, City Council agenda, Consent
calendar lists this ordinance with a memo from Keefe stating effective date 11/3 with "rolling" 90--day grace period
as dog licenses renew over 1st yr. 5/26/07 Revised document links for ongoing reference.
OTHER SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CITIES: GOLETA SANTA BARBARA SANTA MARIA SOLVANG
SANTA CLARA COUNTY: Application for Animal Advisory Commission
New 11/21/07 Santa Clara County Animal Ordinance
Board of Supervisors on April 25, 2006 voted 3-2 to approve a "Guardian" ordinance substituting "owner/guardian"
for owner. Staff Report, 4/25/06. ORDINANCE. Final adoption, May 2, 3-2 vote.
UPDATED 6/27/07 CITY OF SAN JOSE "San José Animal Care & Services hosted its 3rd Town Hall Meeting
on July 27th, 2006. "You are cordially invited to participate in a meeting to discuss ACS recommended changes to
the City of San Jose's current animal ordinances. These ordinances will directly effect the community and some
changes may also impact rescue groups. The agenda will include a summary of recommended ordinance changes
along with Q & A. If time permits other issues of interest may be addressed at this meeting as well. Hope to see
you there. Sincerely, Jon Cicirelli, Deputy Director - SJ Animal Care & Services". Cicirelli is a director of the
California Animal Control Directors Association (CACDA) of which Marcia Mayeda (LA County) is current president
and other board members include Pat Claerbout of Sacramento County and Rob Miller of Riverside County, all with
recent or current legislative activity. At that meeting, a 4-page memorandum was distributed describing but
omitting many details of proposed changes to the Municipal Code including a "guardian" provision and "mandatory
spay/neuter" of the single permissable unaltered dog or cat (current law) based on provisions similar to County of
Los Angeles (enacted) and County of Sacramento (proposed) as well as being "treated as a commercial breeder".
San Jose City Council San Jose Municipal Code - Title 7 - Animals 2005 San Jose Euthansia Statistics
San Jose Animal Care and Services (SJACS) Program Bi-Annual Update, dated 12/4/06
3/12/07 April 10, 2007 is the latest target date for proposed ordinance amendments to reach the City Council.
Sunshine Ordinance requires final draft to be available online at least 10 days prior to Council date.
3/30/07 Draft ordinance. No MSN provisions; changes from current ordinance (above) are not indicated.
April 10, 1:30 p.m. City Council chambers, San José City Hall, 200 East Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113
4/2/07 Staff Memorandum dated March 21, 2007, analyzing proposed changes with recommendations.
4/9/07 Amended agenda for 4/10 Council mtg. , Item 5.2 "Recommended deferral to 5/1/07 in the evening, per
administration." Attachment ordinance 4/19/07 Memorandum from Jon Cicirelli, Deputy Director, Animal Care
and Services summarizing “significant” changes. 4/27/07 May 1, 2007, 7 p.m. Council Agenda Supplemental
Attachment (2508 KB file, table referencing changes, additional technical amendments red-lined) Approve ord. &
infraction list.
4/30/07 Memorandum of Councilmember Pete Constant re Agenda Item 5.2, detailing his proposed amendments.
5/2/07 Proposed ordinance being amended, to return in June. 5/6/07 See Specific items listed in Agenda Synopsis.
6/12/07 Revised ordinance set for consideration, 6/19/07 Council Agenda (evening). City Attorney memorandum
explains changes. 6/19/07 Ordinance with "guardian" provisions passed, First Reading. 6/27/07 Synopsis of
amendments passed 6/19; final adoption 6/26. Animal Care Bi-Annual Update to Neighborhood Services Com, 6/14.
COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ
SOLANO COUNTY: Board of Supervisors on April 25, 2006 introduced and passed 5-0 an ordinance to prohibit
"open field coursing" as defined in an earlier version of state legislation, AB 2110, as a misdemeanor crime.
(See AB 2146, bill dropped, but analyses include state law issues applicable to local regulation of hunting.)
SONOMA COUNTY: (2006) ANIMAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE will hear and take comment on proposed
animal regulation revisions -- including breed specific s/n of Pit Bulls with limited exceptions including AKC or UKC
registration and "trained or kept for the purpose of shows, field trials and agility trials." Dangerous and vicious
provisions amendments follow San Mateo County model." Documents are available at
http://www.theanimalshelter.org/pdf/draft_ordinance.pdf or http://www.theanimalshelter.org
The Board of Supervisors hearing was held Tuesday, April 18, 2006, and finally adopted at the April 25 BOS
meeting: "AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER - 33. County Animal Regulation Ordinance Amendment Ordinance
amending Chapter 5 of the Sonoma County Code, the Sonoma County Animal Regulation Ordinance, with respect to
potentially dangerous and vicious animals (Ready for Adoption) + Authorize the Chairman to send letters to the
cities encouraging similar ordinances." 8/8/2007 Sonoma County BOS will be setting for hearing on Aug. 28, 2007
at 2:15 p.m. a resolution increasing fees and adding new fees for Animal Care and Control Division. 8/17 BOS
Consent agenda includes approval of renewal of 1 yr contract w/2 options for 1 yr renewal for shelter vet services
with John Strathman, DVM., not to exceed $104,325 for FY 2007/08.
City of Cloverdale City of Cotati CIty of Healdsburg Healdsburg Animal Shelter
City of Petaluma: Petaluma Animal Services
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park Animal Shelter City Council unanimously approved an SB 861 authorized
ordinance requiring sterilization of all "Pit Bulls." Ordinance 752 is effective March 14, 2006. No opposition was
reported. Rohnert Part also has a guardian provision in its current ordinance.
City of Santa Rosa on September 5, 2006 considered a County parallel ordinance including BSL provisions, but
the Council deferred action and directed the City Attorney to draft a number of more stringent provisions. 9/5
Minutes Updated 10/18/06 The revised ordinance was introduced and passed on October 17.
City of Sebastopol City of Sonoma
Town of Windsor on June 21, 2006 introduced and passed a Sonoma county type ordinance requiring spay/neuter
of "Pit Bulls". New, 9/11/06
STANISLAUS COUNTY Revised section 7/15/07 Stanislaus County Code - Title 7 Animals
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors by 3-2 vote in 2005 enacted $100 dog license with qualifying discount, and
$100 litter permits for both dogs and cats based on the San Mateo County model plus City of Los Angeles
provisions. BOS on August 1, 2006 introduced and approved 4-1, Mayfield voting no (first vote) ordinance
amendments recommended by new Director Michael McFarland to eliminate the provision for a 3-citizen panel
comprising "Animal Court" as an administrative forum to be replaced with a rotating panel of attorney hearing
officers and designate this as the administrative body to hear potentially dangerous/dangerous dog petitions
rather than the judicial procedure provided by state law. New URL 2/2/08 Stanislaus County Animal Services
A Modesto Bee article of 12/6/06 reports, "In an effort to reduce the use of euthanasia by 45 percent over the next
five years, McFarland suggests that the county require all dogs and cats older than 6 months to be sterilized."
*County pop. over 500K, growing 2% annually; 9 incorporated cities: Ceres Hughson Modesto Newman Oakdale Patterson Riverbank
Turlock
Waterford; unincorporated Stanislaus County includes: Bret Harte Bystrom Del Rio Denair East Oakdale Empire Grayson Hickman
Keyes Riverdale Park Salida Shackelford West Modesto Westley
INDIANA:
5/4/06 City of Bloomington, December 2005 enacted ordinance substituting "owner/guardian" with numerous
amendments to "reflect current animal-related issues": deletes licensing; adds "humane treatment" specific
standards including time and manner of tethering; increases the numbers allowed before a noncommercial kennel
permit required; allows feral cat colonies under permits/requirements; dangerous/vicious animal amendments
increases breeder permit fees and more.