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Los Angeles Overview
Los Angeles Charter and Administrative Code
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MUNICIPAL CODE
FOREWORD
CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS AND ZONING
CHAPTER 1A CITY OF LOS ANGELES ZONING CODE
CHAPTER II* LICENSES, PERMITS, BUSINESS REGULATIONS
CHAPTER III PUBLIC HEALTH CODE
CHAPTER IV PUBLIC WELFARE
CHAPTER V PUBLIC SAFETY AND PROTECTION
ARTICLE 2 POLICE AND SPECIAL OFFICERS
ARTICLE 3 ANIMALS AND FOWLS
SEC. 53.01. POUND, HOURS OPEN.
SEC. 53.02. ISSUING OF BADGES TO DEPARTMENT - DEPARTMENT MEMBERS AS POLICE OFFICERS.
SEC. 53.02.1. BOARD, DUTIES OF.
SEC. 53.03. INSPECTIONS.
SEC. 53.03.1. MINIMUM AGE - DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES.
SEC. 53.04. UNENCLOSED PREMISES, IMPOUNDING.
SEC. 53.05. IMPOUNDING. DUTY OF POLICE.
SEC. 53.06. ANIMALS AT LARGE.
SEC. 53.06.1. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DOGS AND CATS.
SEC. 53.06.2. RESTRAINT OF DOGS.
SEC. 53.06.3. TRAPPING - PERMIT REQUIRED.
SEC. 53.06.4. CERTAIN ANIMALS DECLARED TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE - SUMMARY DESTRUCTION AUTHORIZED.
SEC. 53.06.5. FEEDING OF NON-DOMESTICATED MAMMALIAN PREDATORS PROHIBITED.
SEC. 53.07. ANIMALS ON UNENCLOSED PREMISES.
SEC. 53.08. ANIMALS IN LOS ANGELES RIVER BED.
SEC. 53.09. STRAY ANIMALS. NOTICE REQUIRED.
SEC. 53.10. PERMITTING ANIMALS TO GO WITHOUT CARE - DUTY TO ENTER AND REMOVE SAME.
SEC. 53.11. ANIMALS. IMPOUNDING - SALE.
SEC. 53.12. ANIMAL SHELTER ADOPTION FEE SCHEDULE.
SEC. 53.12.1. UNCARED FOR ANIMALS - IMPOUNDING.
SEC. 53.12.2 IMPOUNDMENT OF UNALTERED DOGS AND CATS - CIVIL PENALTIES.
SEC. 53.13. REDEMPTION FEES.
SEC. 53.14. RECORDS OF IMPOUNDED ANIMALS.
SEC. 53.15. DOG LICENSE TAX - PENALTIES.
SEC. 53.15.1. EQUINE LICENSE FEE.
SEC. 53.15.2. BREEDING AND TRANSFER OF DOGS AND CATS.
SEC. 53.15.3. DOG LICENSE FEE.
SEC. 53.15.4. VETERINARIANS AND OTHERS AUTHORIZED TO DISTRIBUTE DOG LICENSE APPLICATIONS OR SELL DOG LICENSES.
SEC. 53.15.5. ELECTRONIC ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION DEVICE.
SEC. 53.16. LICENSES TO BE SIGNED.
SEC. 53.17. LICENSES - WHAT TO STATE.
SEC. 53.18. RECORD OF LICENSES.
SEC. 53.18.5. HEARING PROCEDURES AND LICENSE REVOCATIONS.
SEC. 53.19. CAT TAG - ISSUANCE OF.
SEC. 53.21. DOG TAGS - WEARING OF AND REGISTRY.
SEC. 53.22. DOG TAG - MUST BE OFFICIAL.
SEC. 53.23. DOG TAGS - REMOVAL OF.
SEC. 53.24. RECEIPT - CERTIFICATE - FAILURE TO EXHIBIT.
SEC. 53.25. COLLECTION - DEPOSITING OF.
SEC. 53.26. LICENSE TAXES - RIGHT TO SUE FOR RECOVERY.
SEC. 53.27. TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP; NOTICE REQUIRED.
SEC. 53.28. HARBORING OF UNLICENSED DOGS.
SEC. 53.29. FEMALE DOGS AND CATS, STRAYING DURING SEASON.
SEC. 53.30. KEEPING OF DISEASED OR CRIPPLED ANIMALS.
SEC. 53.31. PUBLIC SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC.
SEC. 53.32. ANIMALS - DISPOSAL OF.
SEC. 53.33. VICIOUS ANIMALS - PRIVATE PREMISES.
SEC. 53.34. ANIMALS AT LARGE.
SEC. 53.34.1. MENACING DOGS.
SEC. 53.34.2. IMPOUNDMENT - BITING OR ATTACKING ANIMAL.
SEC. 53.34.3. RESTRICTED DOG PERMIT.
SEC. 53.34.4. DANGEROUS ANIMAL - PROCEDURES.
SEC. 53.35. ANIMALS - TRANSPORTATION OF.
SEC. 53.36. RESISTING OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES.
SEC. 53.37. DOGS - EXEMPTIONS.
SEC. 53.38. WILD ANIMALS - KEEPING - PERMIT.
SEC. 53.39. WILD ANIMALS - POWER OF DEPARTMENT OVER.
SEC. 53.39.1. WILD OR EXOTIC ANIMAL - EXHIBITION.
SEC. 53.40. BULL FIGHTS.
SEC. 53.41. ANIMALS - FOOD POISONING.
SEC. 53.42. ANIMALS, SALE OF - AS NOVELTIES - ON STREETS.
SEC. 53.43. PIGEONS - FEEDING - RESTRICTED AREA.
SEC. 53.44. VETERINARIES - NOTICES OF DEATH OF ANIMALS.
SEC. 53.45. VETERINARIES - RETENTION OF DEAD ANIMALS.
SEC. 53.46. WILD BIRDS - IMPOUNDING - CRATING.
SEC. 53.47. BREEDING ANIMALS - ENCLOSURES.
SEC. 53.48. SONG BIRDS - KILLING.
SEC. 53.49. DOGS - DOG DEFECATION TO BE REMOVED BY OWNERS.
SEC. 53.50. PERMITS.
SEC. 53.51. VACCINATION OF DOGS REQUIRED.
SEC. 53.52. EXEMPTIONS.
SEC. 53.53. DUTY OF VETERINARIANS PERFORMING VACCINATIONS.
SEC. 53.54. VACCINATION CERTIFICATES, PROOF OF STERILIZATION AND OTHER PROOF TO BE RETAINED BY OWNER.
SEC. 53.55. DOGS ON BEACHES PROHIBITED - EXCEPTION.
SEC. 53.56. IMPORTED DOGS.
SEC. 53.57. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION - CERTIFICATES.
SEC. 53.58. RULES AND REGULATIONS.
SEC. 53.59. ANIMALS - DISTANCES - SEPARATION FROM DWELLING.
SEC. 53.60. CARRIER AND HOMING PIGEONS - PERMITS.
SEC. 53.62. ANIMALS; BURIAL OF.
SEC. 53.63. BARKING DOG NOISE.
SEC. 53.64. REGULATION OF SENTRY DOG SERVICES.
SEC. 53.65. MAIMING, INJURING OR KILLING ANIMALS DURING PERFORMANCE.
SEC. 53.66. GUARD DOGS.
SEC. 53.67. ANIMAL SACRIFICE.
SEC. 53.68. FEES FOR SERVICES TO SUBDIVIDERS.
SEC. 53.69. FEES FOR TRAP RENTAL.
SEC. 53.70. CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF DOGS.
SEC. 53.71. ROOSTERS - LIMIT.
SEC. 53.72. DECLAWING OF CATS OR OTHER ANIMALS - PROHIBITION.
SEC. 53.73. SALE OF COMMERCIALLY BRED DOGS, CATS AND RABBITS IN PET STORES - PROHIBITION.
SEC. 53.74. BULLHOOKS - PROHIBITION ON USE.
SEC. 53.75. PROHIBITION TO SELL, TRADE, OR DISTRIBUTE FUR PRODUCTS.
SEC. 53.76. POSTING OF PET LAWS AT CERTAIN ESTABLISHMENTS.
ARTICLE 3.5 PURCHASE OF ANIMALS FROM CITY ZOO
ARTICLE 4 LIABILITY FOR VIOLATION OF HAZARDOUS WASTE AND SUBSTANCE CONTROL LAWS.
ARTICLE 5 FIREARMS - DANGEROUS WEAPONS
ARTICLE 6 PUBLIC HAZARDS
ARTICLE 6.1 PROTECTION OF PEACE AND SECURITY AT MEDICAL FACILITIES
ARTICLE 6.5 EMERGENCY TELEPHONE CALLS
ARTICLE 7 FIRE PROTECTION AND PREVENTION (FIRE CODE)
ARTICLE 8 NUISANCES
ARTICLE 9 NOTICES RELATED TO SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING
CHAPTER VI PUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY
CHAPTER VII TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER VIII TRAFFIC
CHAPTER IX BUILDING REGULATIONS
CHAPTER X BUSINESS REGULATIONS
CHAPTER XI NOISE REGULATION
CHAPTER XII THE WATER CONSERVATION PLAN OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES
CHAPTER XIII THE EMERGENCY ENERGY CURTAILMENT PLAN OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES
CHAPTER XV RENT STABILIZATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER XVI HOUSING REGULATIONS
CHAPTER XVII RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF THE LOS ANGELES AIRPORTS
CHAPTER XVIII EMPLOYEE WAGES AND PROTECTIONS
CHAPTER XIX ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
CHAPTER XX COVID-19 PROTECTION AND RECOVERY*
TABLES
Los Angeles Planning and Zoning
Chapter 1A City of Los Angeles Zoning Code
Table of Amending Legislation for Chapter 1A
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SEC. 53.67. ANIMAL SACRIFICE.
   (Added by Ord. No. 166,307, Eff. 11/12/90.)
 
   (a)   No person shall engage in, participate in, assist in, or perform animal sacrifice.
 
   (b)   No person shall own, keep, possess or have custody of any animal with the purpose or intention of using such animal for animal sacrifice.
 
   (c)   No person shall knowingly sell, offer to sell, give away or transfer any animal to another person who intends to use such animal for animal sacrifice.
 
   (d)   Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to prohibit any person or establishment lawfully operating under the laws of this city and state from lawfully engaging in the slaughter or ritual slaughter of animals where the preparation or killing of such animals is primarily for food purposes.
 
   (e)   For the purpose of this section, the following words and phrases are defined as follows:
 
   “Slaughter” means the killing of any animal for food purposes;
 
   “Ritual slaughter” means the preparation and killing of any animal for food purposes in accordance with California Food and Agricultural Code Section 19501;
 
   “Animal sacrifice” means the injuring or killing of any animal in any religious or cult ritual or as an offering to a deity, devil, demon or spirit, wherein the animal has not been injured or killed primarily for food purposes, regardless of whether all or any part of such animal is subsequently consumed.
 
 
SEC. 53.68. FEES FOR SERVICES TO SUBDIVIDERS.
   (Added by Ord. No. 167,682, Eff.4/25/92.)
 
   The Department of Animal Services is hereby authorized to provide special animal control services for the benefit of any subdivider upon the execution of an agreement between the Department, on behalf of the City of Los Angeles, and the subdivider to provide for the reimbursement of the cost of such special services to the Department. The Department shall bill the subdivider for any environmental impact review and for any animal related service calls above an amount and within an area to be determined by the Department and the subdivider. Reimbursement shall be for all such services which shall be billed at their actual cost.
 
 
SEC. 53.69. FEES FOR TRAP RENTAL.
   (Amended by Ord. No. 179,108, Eff. 9/22/07.)
 
   (a)   The Department of Animal Services is hereby authorized to rent traps to the public for the trapping of nuisance animals. The Department shall charge and collect a security deposit as determined by the Department in addition to fees of $7.50 per day for small traps and $15.00 per day for large traps, except as provided in Subsections (b) and (c) below. (Amended by Ord. No. 185,537, Eff. 6/21/18.)
 
   (b)   The Department shall collect a trap deposit fee of $100.00 upon issuance of a permit to trap a coyote. This $100.00 fee shall be refunded upon return of the trap in working condition to the Department.
 
   (c)   The Department may waive the required fees and security deposit under Subsections (a) and (b) for persons who qualify for certificates under the free spay/neuter program, as well as for non-profit animal rescue organiza- tions exempt from taxation under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) who participate in early age spay/neuter of animals, comply with all State and local laws regarding the humane care and treatment of animals, and whose mission is in whole or in part the rescue and placement of companion animals including but not limited to dogs, cats and rabbits, and/or the trapping, neutering and returning of feral cats. The Department may also waive fees under Subsections (a) and (b) for any person or rescue organization described above, assisting the Department to safely capture an animal for the health or safety of the animal or the public, including the trapping, neutering and returning of feral cats.
 
 
SEC. 53.70. CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF DOGS.
   (Added by Ord. No. 176,915, Eff. 9/26/05.)
 
   A.   Shelter requirements. No person shall keep, use or maintain a dog outdoors on any premises unless the dog is either provided with full access to an enclosed building, or if not provided with such access, is provided with access to a dog house or similar shelter at all times. Said dog house or shelter shall:
 
   (1)   Have a weatherproof top, bottom and sides, and an opening on no more than one side that allows a dog to remain dry and provides adequate shade during daylight hours to allow a dog to protect itself in order to prevent overheating or discomfort to the dog.
 
   (2)   Have a floor that is level and dry.
 
   (3)   Be composed of material that protects the dog from injury, and is free from cracks, depressions and rough areas where insects, parasites and other pests might be established and maintained.
 
   (4)   Be of adequate size to allow the dog to stand erect with the dog’s head up, to turn around easily, and to sit and lie down in a comfortable and normal position.
 
   (5)   Have sufficient clean bedding material or other means of protection from weather when the weather is colder than what a dog of that breed and condition will comfortably tolerate and that will allow the dog to retain body heat. Bedding material shall be kept clean and dry.
 
   (6)   Contain a suitable means for the prompt elimination of excess liquid.
 
   (7)   Be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the dog from injury.
 
   (8)   Be constructed and maintained so that the dog has convenient access to clean food and water.
 
   (9)   Allow the dog easy access in and out.
 
   (10)   Be cleaned and maintained in a manner designed to insure sanitary conditions. Excrement shall be removed from the dog house or shelter and from the premises, including yard and dog run, as frequently as necessary to prevent contamination and reduce health hazards and odors. Excrement shall be properly disposed of in trash containers and shall not be washed into the gutter or storm drain. When a hosing or flushing method is used to clean the dog house or shelter, dogs should be removed when reasonably possible.
 
   B.   Water requirements. No person shall keep, use or maintain any dog on any premises unless the dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Clean potable water shall be available to the dog unless restricted for veterinary care.
 
   (1)   If the water is in a container, this container shall be designed, secured, placed and maintained in a manner that prevents tipping and spilling of the water. Water containers shall be kept clean and sanitary, shall be kept out of the sun and shall be emptied and refilled regularly with fresh water; or
 
   (2)   If the water is provided by an automatic or demand device, the water supply connected to the device must function twenty four (24) hours per day.
 
   C.   Feeding requirements. No person shall keep, use or maintain any dog on any premises unless the dog is provided sufficient food daily to maintain proper body weight and good general health. The food shall be:
 
   (1)   Free from contamination, shall be wholesome and palatable and of sufficient quantity, quality and nutritive value to meet the normal daily requirements for the age, size and breed of dog.
 
   (2)   Contained in receptacles that is easily accessible to the dog and located in a manner and place that minimize contamination, including but not limited to contamination by excrement or insects. Feeding pans and food receptacles shall be durable and kept clean and shall be maintained in sanitary condition. Self-feeders shall be sanitized regularly to prevent molding, deterioration or caking of food, and to prevent any interruption of the flow of food that would make it difficult for the dog to access the food. Spoiled or contaminated food shall be disposed in a sanitary manner.
 
   (3)   Self-feeders and food receptacles shall not be left unattended outdoors for periods of time significantly longer than necessary for feeding purposes in order to prevent attracting vermin or animals in the wild, including predators.
 
   D.   Tethering. It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, fasten, chain, tie, restrain or cause a dog to be fastened, chained, tied or restrained to houses, trees, fences, garages or other stationary or highly immobile objects by means of a rope, chain, strap or other physical restraint for the purpose of confinement, except in circumstances where all of the following requirements are met:
 
   (1)   The tethering shall not be for more time than is necessary for the dog owner or custodian to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be physically restrained for a reasonable period.
 
   (2)   The dog must be tethered by a non-choke type collar or a body harness to a tether that is at least three (3) times the body length of the dog, measured from the dog’s nose to the back of the hindquarters and which tether is free from entanglement.
 
   (3)   The dog must have access to food, water and shelter as described above.
 
   (4)   The dog shall be monitored periodically.
 
   This section shall not affect the use of appropriate electronic means of confinement.
 
   E.   Caging. No person shall keep, use or maintain a dog in an outdoor pen, run, cage or other enclosure on any premises unless said pen, run, cage or enclosure is of adequate size to allow the dog to move around freely and, in addition,
 
   (1)   its length is at least five times the length of the dog and its width is at least three times the length of the dog, and its height allows the dog to stand erect with the dog’s head up, and
 
   (2)   contains a dog shelter as described in Section 53.70 A. above, or
 
   (3)   provides the animal access to the inside of a building.
 
   The pen, run, cage or other enclosure shall be cleaned and maintained in a manner designed to insure sanitary conditions, and free of any debris which would be injurious to the dog.
 
   F.   Exceptions. This prohibition shall not apply to any entities exempt under the provisions of Section 53.15.2 (e)(2), to wit:
 
   (1)   Government agencies; non-profit animal rescue organizations exempt from taxation under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3); or humane societies or societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals if such societies are incorporated under the provisions of California Corporations Code Section 10400 and the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law in Part 2 of the California Corporations Code, beginning at Section 5110;
 
   (2)   Permitted dog or cat shows; or
 
   (3)   Permitted pet stores which sell or otherwise transfer dogs or cats, whether for compensation or otherwise, within the store.
 
   G.   (Deleted by Ord. No. 183,271, Eff. 11/14/14.)
 
 
SEC. 53.71. ROOSTERS – LIMIT.
   (Added by Ord. No. 180,889, Eff. 10/31/09.)
 
   No person or persons shall own, possess, maintain or have custody of more than one rooster on any lot, building, structure, property or premises within the City of Los Angeles, subject to the following exceptions:
 
   (a)   This section shall not prohibit any business, educational facility or lawful animal exhibition from having or maintaining roosters, provided that such business, educational facility or animal exhibition: (I) has appropriate and valid permits and licenses; (ii) operates in appropriately zoned areas; and (iii) maintains roosters as an integral and otherwise lawful part of such business or activity.
 
   (b)   This section shall not prohibit more than one rooster on a property for filming purposes, pursuant to a properly issued City filming permit, for the limited purpose of being used in a film, television or other media production. A rooster or roosters creating a nuisance shall be removed from the City at the completion of each workday or sooner, once filming ceases for the day or night.
 
   (c)   Persons owning more than one pet rooster may seek a permit from the Department to keep up to three of the roosters as pets for the remainder of the roosters’ lives; provided that the roosters do not create a nuisance or health hazard, are microchipped or fitted with a legband approved by the Department for permanent identification and are maintained in accordance with other laws governing the possession of fowl in the City. No replacement roosters shall be allowed under this permit. The Department may charge an administrative fee not to exceed $50.00 for up to two additional roosters as a one-time permit fee. No application for a permit shall be accepted under this exception after December 31, 2009.
 
   (d)   A violation of the provisions of this section is a misdemeanor. (Amended by Ord. No. 183,271, Eff. 11/14/14.)
 
   (e)   Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to limit or affect any zoning or land use requirements or regulations or any distance requirements or affect any other local, State or Federal law relating to roosters, fighting roosters, game cocks or other fowl or poultry.
 
 
SEC. 53.72. DECLAWING OF CATS OR OTHER ANIMALS – PROHIBITION.
   (Added by Ord. No. 180,986, Eff. 11/20/09.)
 
   (a)   No person, licensed medical professional or otherwise, shall perform or cause to be performed an onychectomy (declawing) or flexor tendonectomy procedure by any means on a cat or on any other animal within the City, except when necessary for a therapeutic purpose. Therapeutic purpose means the necessity to address the medical condition of the animal, such as an existing or recurring illness, infection, disease, injury or abnormal condition in the claw that compromises the animal’s health. Therapeutic purpose does not include cosmetic or aesthetic reasons or reasons of convenience in keeping or handling the animal.
 
   (b)   In the event that an onychectomy or flexor tendonectomy procedure is performed on any animal with the City in violation of this Section, each of the following persons shall be guilty of a violation of this Section: (1) the person or persons performing the procedure, (2) all persons assisting in the physical performance of the procedure and (3) all persons or entities that procured the procedure, including but not limited to the owner or person having custody or control over the animal or any other person or entity that ordered, requested or paid for the procedure.
 
   (c)   A violation of any of the provisions of this Section is a misdemeanor.
 
 
SEC. 53.73. SALE OF COMMERCIALLY BRED DOGS, CATS AND RABBITS IN PET STORES – PROHIBITION.
   (Amended by Ord. No. 184,265, Eff. 6/8/16.)
 
   It shall be unlawful for any person to sell any live dog, cat or rabbit in any pet store, retail business or other commercial establishment located in the City of Los Angeles, unless the dog, cat or rabbit was obtained from an animal shelter or a humane society located in the City of Los Angeles, or a non-profit rescue and humane organization registered with the Department of Animal Services. For purposes of this Section, a rescue and humane organization is defined as a California non-profit corporation that is exempt from taxation under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), participates in early age spay/neuter of animals, complies with State and local laws regarding the humane treatment of animals, and whose mission and practice is, in whole or in significant part, the rescue and placement of dogs, cats or rabbits.
 
 
SEC. 53.74. BULLHOOKS – PROHIBITION ON USE.
   (Added by Ord. No. 183,060, Eff. 6/23/14, Oper. 1/1/17.)
 
   It shall be unlawful for any person to use a bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, pitchfork or other implement or tool designed to inflict pain for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of an elephant in the City of Los Angeles. For purposes of this section, the term use shall include brandishing, exhibiting or displaying a bullhook or an implement designed to look like a bullhook in the presence of an elephant for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of the elephant.
 
 
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