5-1.4: DOG PARKS:

There may be provided by the city certain defined open spaces for the purposes of allowing dogs to run freely in a specified enclosed area, and said enclosed open space areas shall be known and designated as "dog parks". Dog parks shall be regulated by rules to be adopted by the city manager and/or his/her designee. (Ord. 1824, 6-16-2015)

5-1.5: IMPOUNDING/COLLECTION OF ANIMALS:

The police department may pick up, impound and safely keep any animal that is found running at large contrary to the provisions of this chapter within the incorporated territory of the city. (Ord. 1824, 6-16-2015)

5-1.6: RIGHT TO ENTER PREMISES:

Any police department employees performing animal control duties shall be authorized to enter upon any premises for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1824, 6-16-2015)

5-1.7: INTERFERENCE WITH DUTIES:

It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with police department employees engaged in the performance of animal control duties. (Ord. 1824, 6-16-2015)

ARTICLE II. LICENSABLE ANIMALS

SECTION:

5-2.1: License Required

5-2.2: Mandatory Spay/Neuter Requirement

5-2.3: Issuance Of License And Tag

5-2.4: Time Limits

5-2.5: Vaccination Certificate Required

5-2.6: Term Of License

5-2.7: License Fees

5-2.8: Exemption; Service Or Assistance Animals

5-2.9: Extension Of Time; Animals Too Ill To Be Vaccinated

5-2.10: Replacing Lost Or Stolen Tags

5-2.11: License Transferable

5-2.12: Affixing License Tag

5-2.13: Impounding Biting Or Attacking Animals

5-2.14: Notice To Owner Of Licensed Animal

5-2.15: Redemption Of Impounded Animals

5-2.16: Fees For Impounding And Keeping Licensable Animals

5-2.17: Adoption, Rescue, And/Or Destruction Of Impounded Animals

5-2.18: Licensing Impounded Animals

5-2.19: Removal Of Tag

5-2.20: Display Of Tag

5-2.21: Keeping Dangerous Animals

5-2.22: Interference With Public Rights Of Way Or Roadways

5-2.23: Permitting Animals To Run At Large

5-2.24: Leash Requirements

5-2.25: Barking Dogs

5-2.1: LICENSE REQUIRED:

Every owner of a licensable animal within the city shall secure a license from a police department facility for each licensable animal within the time limits set forth in this chapter. It shall be unlawful for any owner to fail to secure said license in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. A license need not be secured for a licensable animal which is brought into the city by its visiting owner or for the purpose of being entered in a show or exhibition, provided that the owner of such animal provides proof of current license and/or current rabies vaccination from the jurisdiction of origin, and the animal is removed from the city limits no more than thirty (30) days after entry. (Ord. 1824, 6-16-2015)

5-2.2: MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTER REQUIREMENT:

It has been shown that mandatory spaying/neutering proves to be effective in reducing the population of animals in cities. By requiring mandatory spaying/neutering, the police department is working to reduce the number of euthanizations conducted in the city of Porterville each year. Spaying/neutering has been shown to be effective in reducing animals running at large and also reduces aggressive behavior in animals. As an additional benefit, this requirement will cut costs to the community in managing the pet population.

   A.   Requirement For Unaltered Animals: No person may keep, own or harbor an unaltered dog over four (4) months of age within the city limits, unless an unaltered license has been properly obtained. An owner or custodian of an unaltered dog must have the animal spayed or neutered or obtain an unaltered license in accordance with the exceptions to the spay/neuter requirements as described in subsection B of this section.

   B.   Unaltered Animal License: An owner or custodian of an unaltered dog over the age of four (4) months must obtain an annual unaltered animal license. The license shall be issued only if the department has determined that all of the following conditions have been met:

      1.   The owner or custodian has submitted the required application for the license and the applicable fees for the license have been paid in accordance with the fee schedule as set by resolution of the city council.

      2.   The animal meets one or more of the following exemptions:

         a.   An animal unable to be spayed/neutered without a high likelihood of suffering serious bodily harm or death due to age or infirmity, which is confirmed in writing from a licensed veterinarian.

         b.   A competition animal as defined in this chapter.

         c.   A service animal which shall include, but not be limited to, assistance dogs, guide dogs, signal dogs, police dogs, search and rescue animals, or other service animals as defined by applicable state or federal law, or is being trained for such use.

         d.   An animal associated with a licensed kennel within the city for breeding purposes. (Ord. 1824, 6-16-2015)