Ordinance 1995-09Ar;_'
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF GILROY AMENDING CHAPTER 4 OF THE GILROY
CITY CODE RELATING TO ANIMAL CONTROL
WHEREAS, the control of animals is important to the main-
tenance of the public health, safety and welfare of the City's
residents, and the City's authority to regulate the manner, time,
place and keeping of animals is founded in its police power under
Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution; and,
WHEREAS, in addition to authority granted to the City under
the California Constitution, various provisions of State law,
including but not limited to Section 30501 et se g. of the
California Food and Agriculture Code and Section 38792 of the
Government Code, provide that cities may establish and collect fees
to offset the cost of animal control programs, including programs
to license pets, to control dangerous animals, to regulate the
manner of keeping pets to protect the public health, safety and
welfare and to control nuisances resulting from pet keeping, to
impound stray animals, and establish and implement other animal
control programs; and,
WHEREAS, Chapter VIII of the Code of Santa Clara County,
relating to Animals and Fowl, establishes a comprehensive program
for regulating and controlling animals; and,
WHEREAS, Section 4.31 of the Gilroy City Code provides that
Chapter 3 of Title 4 of the Santa Clara County Ordinance Code
(presently as superseded and amended to Title A, Division A33,
Chapter VIII of the County Code), as such code existed as of the
time of adoption of Section 4.31 or as may thereafter be amended,
shall apply in the City of Gilroy; and,
WHEREAS, for many years the City and its residents have relied
on the efforts of County humane and animal control officers to
undertake various duties related to animal control, but as a result
of budgetary constraints the County no,longer commits to undertak-
ing animal control activities within the City limits; and,
WHEREAS, the present provisions found in Chapter 4 of the
Gilroy Code, relating to Animals and Fowl, are inadequate to meet
the present needs of the City to establish and implement a compre-
hensive and cost - efficient animal control system.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GILROY HEREBY
ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I
Section 2.49(e) of the Gilroy City Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
(e) Animal Control. This shall be under the supervision of
the Chief of the Police in accordance with the Animal Control
Ordinance found in Chapter 4 of this Code.
SECTION II
The present provisions of Chapter 4 are hereby repealed in
their entirety.
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -1-
r
i !
SECTION III
A new Chapter 4 is hereby added to the Gilroy City Code to
read as follows:
Chapter 4
ANIMALS AND FOWL
ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 4.0 Short Title.
This Chapter shall be known as the "Animal Control Ordinance".
Sec. 4.1 Definitions.
(a) "Administrator' means the Chief of Police or any Animal
Control Officer or other person authorized to act on his
behalf in the implementation or enforcement of this
Chapter.
(b) $'Agricultural Animals, includes but is not limited to
horses, ponies, mules, burros, jacks and jennies, cows,
bulls, calves, heifers, sheep, goats, swine, hogs or pigs
but excepting pot - bellied pigs kept as household pets in
a sanitary manner and otherwise in accordance with the
provisions of this Chapter, or other animals ordinarily
used for agricultural purposes.
(c) ItAgricultural zone'$ means any premises within the city
which has been zoned for agricultural uses as established
by the official zoning ordinances of the city.
(d) IlAnimallf means any live vertebrate creature, domestic or
wild.
(e) "Animal Control Officer" means a person authorized to
act on behalf of the Administrator in the implementation
or enforcement of this Chapter.
(f) $'Animal Establishments, means an animal menagerie, animal
shelter, commercial kennel, private kennel, pet grooming
parlor, horse establishment, or pet shop, as those terms
are defined and used in this Chapter, but not any animal
hospital or medical facility to which animals are taken
for the primary purpose of medical treatment.
(g) '$Animal menageriell means any place where dangerous
animals are kept or maintained for any purpose, including
places where dangerous animals are boarded, exhibited,
trained or kept for hire.
(h) I'Animal shelter1l means a facility operated by a public
jurisdiction or by an accredited, tax exempt humane
organization for the purpose of impounding, harboring,
selling, placing or destroying seized, stray, distressed,
homeless, abandoned or unwanted animals.
(i) IlASSistance Doge means a guide dog, signal dog or service
dog as defined in California Civil Code Section 54.1.
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -2-
0 •
(j) "At large" means a dog or other animal that is off the
premises of its owner and not under restraint by leash
or chain, or which is wandering or running freely on
public property or property belonging to a person not the
owner or person in control of the animal and without
supervision, accompaniment and adequate restraint.
(k) "Cat" means a domestic cat (Felis catus).
(1) "Commercial kennel" means any person engaged in the
commercial breeding of dogs or cats, or both, for sale,
individually or in litter lots; or in the boarding,
training, sale or hire of dogs and /or cats for compensa-
tion, except that animal hospitals maintained by a
veterinarian licensed by the state as part of the
practice of veterinary medicine, animal shelters or
private kennels shall not be considered commercial
kennels.
(m) "Dangerous animal" means any wild, exotic or venomous
animal, or other animal which, because of its size,
disposition or other characteristic, would constitute a
danger to persons or property.
(n) "Dangerous dog" means a dog which has been classified as
dangerous or potentially dangerous at one of three levels
based upon specific behavior exhibited or possession of
certain characteristics as described in this subsection
by the dog. For purposes of this Chapter, behaviors or
characteristics establishing various levels of
dangerousness are as follows:
(1) Level 1 behavior is established if a dog is found
to menace, chase, display threatening or aggressive
behavior or endanger the safety of any person or
domestic animal. A dog exhibiting Level 1 behavior
is a Level 1 Dangerous Dog within the meaning of
this Chapter.
(2) Level 2 behavior is established if a dog, while
under restraint of a leash, confined or at large,
aggressively bites any person or aggressively kills
a domestic animal. A dog exhibiting Level 2
behavior is a Level 2 Dangerous Dog within the
meaning of this Chapter.
(3) Level 3 behavior is established if:
(A) A dog, whether or not confined, causes the
serious injury or death of any person; or,
(B) A dog engages in or is found to have been
trained to engage in exhibitions of fighting,
except where the dog's training has been
acquired and fighting done in connection with
lawful activities of law enforcement officials;
or,
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -3-
(C) A dog that has been classified as a Level 2
dangerous dog repeats the behavior covered by
paragraph 2 of this subsection after the owner
or person with custody receives notice of the
Level 2 classification.
A dog exhibiting Level 3 behavior is a Level 3
Dangerous Dog within the meaning of this Chapter.
Notwithstanding paragraphs 1 through 3 of this
subsection, the Administrator shall have discretionary
authority to refrain from classifying a dog as Dangerous,
even if the dog has engaged in the behaviors specified
in paragraphs 1 through 3 of this subsection, if the
Administrator determines that the behavior was a result
of the victim abusing or tormenting the dog or other
extenuating circumstances. In any case, no dog shall be
classified as Dangerous if the behavior in question was
directed against a trespasser inside any fully enclosed
building or fenced area on private property.
(o) "Dog" means a domestic dog (Canis familiaris.).
(p) "Enclosed premises" means any lot or premises so enclosed
as to prevent any animal or fowl confined thereon,
escaping therefrom, or any animal or fowl from entering
thereon.
(q) IlGrooming parlor" means any commercial place where
animals are trimmed, bathed or groomed.
(r) "Horse establishment" means any person keeping three or
more horses, donkeys, mules, jack, hinny, jenny burros
or ponies for any or all of the following purposes:
1. For hire to be ridden or driven;
2. For giving riding instruction;
3. For boarding with compensation.
(s) "Household pets" means and includes dogs, cats, canaries,
parrots and other kindred birds and animals usually or
ordinarily kept as household pets.
(t) "Owner's means any person who acknowledges ownership of
an animal or who harbors or keeps any animal for five or
more consecutive days.
(u) "Person" includes any individual, establishment, firm,
association, organization, partnership, trust, corpora-
tion or company.
(v) "Pet shop" means a person who obtains animals for sale,
exchange, barter or hire to the general public as a
principal or agent, or on consignment, or who holds
himself out to be so engaged.
(w) "Private kennel" means a person who maintains within or
adjoining his private residence five or more dogs over
four months of age, or five or more cats over four months
of age, but no more than a combined total of seven dogs
and cats, such animals to be for that person's recrea-
tional use or for exhibition in conformation shows, field
or obedience trials and where the sale of offspring is
not the primary function of the kennel. The maintenance
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -4-
of more than two male dogs or cats used for breeding
purposes for which compensation is received, or the
parturition or rearing of more than two litters of dogs
or cats in any one calendar year from the total number
of females owned or maintained by that person on the
premises, shall be a rebuttable presumption that such
animals are owned or maintained for the purpose of
commercial breeding and the owner and the premises shall
be subject to the permit requirements of a commercial
kennel.
(x) IlQuarantinell means isolation of an animal in a place and
manner approved by the Animal Control Officer.
(y) '$Wild or Exotic Animallf means and includes any animal
which, because of inherent qualities including but not
limited to size, geographic origin, vicious tendencies,
dangerousness, or other characteristics is not
domesticated and not normally kept as household pets.
Sec. 4.2 Remedies to be Cumulative.
The remedies and prohibitions provided for under this Chapter
shall be cumulative of all remedies or penalties provided for under
this or any other local or state code.
Secs. 4.3 - 4.5 Reserved.
ARTICLE II. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 4.6 Powers of the Administrator.
(a) The Administrator, or Animal Control Officer acting on
his or her behalf, shall have the following powers:
(1) To enforce the provisions of this Chapter and state
laws relating to the care, treatment, impounding and
destruction of animals;
(2) To arrest any person who violates this Chapter in
the manner provided by Section 836.5 of the Penal
Code of the state;
(3) To issue citations pursuant to Section 607g of the
Civil Code of the state;
(4) To act as a "public officer" pursuant to Food and
Agricultural Code Section 7;
(5) The Administrator may formulate rules and regula-
tions in conformity with and for the purposes of
carrying out this Chapter, and any violation thereof
shall be deemed an infraction;
(6) The Administrator, pursuant to Section 607g of the
Civil Code of the state, may deputize as Animal
Control Officer any humane officer of the Humane
Society of Santa Clara Valley;
(b) The Administrator shall have authority to determine
whether any dog has engaged in the behaviors or exhibits
NO. 95 -9 -5-
any of the characteristics of a Dangerous Dog in
accordance with Sections 4.1 and 4.30.
Sec. 4.7 authority to Contract for Private services
The Administrator shall have the authority to contract
with or hire or let the services of a private or public entity for
the purpose of performing the Administrator's duties and powers
prescribed for under this Chapter. All contracts with a value of
$1,000 or more or with a duration of more than one year shall be
authorized specifically by Council resolution only.
Sec. 4.8 Nuisance and inspection for same; Notice; Procedure.
(a) It shall be the duty of the Administrator or Animal
Control Officer to enter upon or in any premises, build-
ing, lot, yard or enclosure for the purpose of inspecting
the same to ascertain the presence of any nuisance.
(b) If the inspecting officer has reason to believe a
nuisance exists on the premises, then he or she, his or
her deputies, or any police or peace officer shall serve
written notice to the person or persons owning or having
control of or acting as agent for, leasing or occupying
such premises, to abate or remove such nuisance within
forty -eight (48) hours or other reasonable time as stated
in the notice. Such notice shall be served personally
or, where the person responsible for such nuisance cannot
be located, by posting the notice in a conspicuous place
on the front door or entranceway. It shall be unlawful
for any person to knowingly, wilfully, or negligently
fail to abate the nuisance alleged in the notice or to
fail to contest the allegations in the notice within
forty -eight (48) hours following receipt or knowledge of
same.
(c) Where the person upon whom the abatement notice is
required to be served under subsection (b) has been
properly served but does not abate the nuisance within
the time specified in the notice, the Administrator shall
have the authority to do the following:
(1) Where the nuisance is caused by an at -large animal,
a Wild or Exotic Animal or a Dangerous Dog at one
of the three levels defined in Section 4.1, the
Administrator may follow the procedures relating to
seizure and impoundment as set forth in Sections
4.50 through 4.59.
(2) Where the nuisance is in the nature of noise or
odors and is caused by an animal or animals, by
animal waste, or other conditions on the premises
that are the result of the keeping of the animals,
the Administrator may abate the nuisance by
substantially following the notice, publication,
hearing, removal and abatement cost recovery
procedures set forth in Chapter 15 relating to
Vehicle Abatement.
Sec. 4.9 Violation; Penalty
(a) Violation of any of the provisions covered in this
Chapter shall constitute an infraction. Each day a
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -6-
violation continues shall be regarded as a new and
separate offense. The punishment upon conviction shall
be:
(1) A fine not exceeding one hundred dollars for a first
violation;
(2) A fine not exceeding two hundred dollars for a
second violation of the same ordinance within one
year; or,
(3) A fine not exceeding five hundred dollars for each
additional violation of the same ordinance within
one year, to a maximum of three such violations.
(b) For purposes of this section, a bail forfeiture shall be
deemed to be a conviction of the offense charged.
(c) In addition to any other penalties or fines provided for
in this Chapter, any reasonable costs incurred by the
city in seizing, impounding and for confining any
dangerous animal shall be a charge against the owner.
(d) Four or more violations of the same section of this
Chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor. Each additional
day the violations continue unabated shall be regarded
as a new and separate offense for which the infraction
fines or penalties set forth above shall apply, provided
that three additional days of each infraction offense
shall constitute an additional misdemeanor. The
punishment upon conviction shall be any or all of the
following:
(1) The revocation of any permit issued pursuant to this
Chapter; or,
(2) A fine not exceeding one thousand dollars; or
(3) Imprisonment for a period of not more than six
months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Sec. 4.10 Reserved.
ARTICLE III. ANIMAL RESTRICTIONS
Sec. 4.11 Public nuisances.
(a) It is declared to be a nuisance, and it shall be
unlawful, for any person owning or having control or
custody of any animal, to do any of the following:
(1) Permit an animal to defecate or urinate on any
privately owned or occupied property other than that
of the owner or the person having control of the
animal;
(2) Permit an animal to defecate on public property
without immediately cleaning or removing the
excrement to a proper receptacle;
(3) Permit an animal to unreasonably obstruct the use
and enjoyment of property held by others in the
community by allowing such animal to habitually
NO. 95 -9 -7-
bark, howl, yelp, bay or make other noise which by
loudness or frequency causes a breach of the peace;
(4) Permit unsanitary conditions to exist on any
premises where an animal is kept which would cause
foul or obnoxious odors, attract flies or vermin or
otherwise threaten the public health and safety;
(5) Cause or permit a dog or a Wild or Exotic Animal to
run or wander at large on any public property or
privately owned or occupied premises without the
consent of the owner or occupant; or,
(6) Permit an animal to engage in menacing behavior
including but not limited to the chasing of vehicles
or the molesting or frightening of passersby.
(b) Except as provided otherwise in this Chapter and except
in circumstances in which the Animal Control Officer
seeks to have a nuisance abated by the owner of the
premises on which the nuisance is generated in accordance
with Section 4.8, any peace officer may seize and impound
any animal causing a public nuisance in accordance with
the process set forth in Sections 4.50 through 4.59.
(c) Any private person may maintain an action under Civil
Code Section 3493 for enforcement of this Chapter
declaring certain acts a public nuisance, if such acts
are specially injurious to such person.
Sec. 4.12 Animals in city buildings; Animals and vehicles.
(a) No person having the control or care of any animal or
animals shall cause or permit such animal to enter or
remain in city -owned or city- managed buildings other than
a building used for the purpose of care, detention,
control or treatment of animals, or a building used for
training classes, shows or exhibitions. This subsection
shall not apply to persons who are blind or deaf and who
use dogs for guidance or for other use because of
physical disabilities, persons who are working with dogs
in connection with public police purpose, or persons
authorized by the Administrator.
(b) No person, other than an individual then actually in the
process of working a dog or other animal for ranching
purposes, shall transport or carry the animal in a motor
vehicle on any public highway or public roadway, unless
the animal is safely enclosed within the vehicle by means
of a container, cage or other device which will prevent
the animal from falling from, jumping from, or being
thrown from the motor vehicle.
(c) No person shall leave any dog or other animal in an
unattended motor vehicle without adequate ventilation or
in such a manner as to subject the animal to extreme
temperatures which may adversely affect the health or
well being of the animal.
Sec. 4.13 Disposal of deceased animals.
(a) Upon the death of any animal, the owner or person in
charge thereof shall provide for the burial, incineration
or other disposition of the body of such animal in a
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -8-
8 0
manner not likely to result in an unsanitary condition.
It shall be unlawful to dispose of any dead cat or dog
in any trash or garbage receptacle, whether public or
private, to be hauled and carried into the general
municipal solid waste stream. If the owner or person in
charge of any dead animal is unable to provide for burial
or other disposition, he may request the Animal Control
Officer to remove and dispose of the body of such animal
for a fee as set forth by City Council resolution.
(b) Upon learning that the body of a dead animal has not been
disposed of in a safe and sanitary manner, the Animal
Control Officer shall remove and dispose of such body
immediately. The owner or person who had legal custody
of such animal at the time of removal shall, immediately
upon City's demand for payment, pay to City all costs
incurred by the Animal Control officer for removing and
disposing of the body of the dead animal.
Sec. 4.14 Animal bites; Quarantine; Examination; violation.
(a) Any animal owner or person having legal custody thereof
who has knowledge or reason to believe that his or her
animal has bitten, mauled or injured any person in an
unprovoked attack shall immediately report that fact to
the police department with full information in regard to
the incident.
(b) Where the evidence contained in the report made under
subsection (a) and any other evidence gives rise to
probable cause that an animal has bitten, mauled or
injured any person in an unprovoked attack, it shall be
the duty of the Administrator or Animal Control Officer
to enter upon or in any premises, building, lot, yard or
enclosure for the purpose of inspecting the same to
ascertain the presence of any animal for which quarantine
may be appropriate under this Section.
(c) An Animal Control Officer shall have the authority to
seize and quarantine any animal which is the subject of
the report provided for in subsection (a) and such animal
for a period of ten or fourteen days as may be prescribed
by the State Department of Health. The Animal Control
Officer may order the owner to quarantine the animal on
the premises of the owner or person having legal custody
thereof.
(d) Any person who fails, refuses or neglects to quarantine
any animal as ordered by the Animal Control Officer, or
who refuses to allow the Animal Control Officer to
inspect any private premises where the animal is kept,
is guilty of an infraction. No animal shall be removed
or released during the quarantine period without permis-
sion of the health officer.
(e) The Administrator may charge a fee, as set forth by
resolution, for the costs of quarantining animals and
inspections for quarantine of animals. Any fee charged
shall be paid by the owner or person who has legal
custody of the animal. Such a fee shall be in addition
to the actual for housing, feeding and otherwise caring
for the quarantined animal.
NO. 95 -9 -9-
i •
(f) The head of any animal which dies or is destroyed while
under quarantine shall be submitted to the laboratory of
the county health department for rabies examination.
Sec. 4.15 Control and seizure of diseased animals.
(a) No person owning or having charge of any animal which
that person knows to be infected with any disease
transmittable to humans shall permit such animal to
remain within the city other than at an approved
veterinary hospital unless the Administrator /Animal
Control Officer or other appropriate authority approves
an alternative means of confinement.
(b) The Animal Control Officer is authorized to seize any
animal he or she reasonably believes to be infected with
disease transmittable to humans. Such seizure shall be
conducted pursuant to Sections 4.50 through 4.59.
Sec. 4.16 Cruelty to animals prohibited.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to maliciously or
recklessly kill, maim, wound, mutilate, torment, torture
or physically abuse any animal.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to wilfully
administer poison to any dog, cat or other domestic
animal or to wilfully place, expose or leave poisonous
or harmful substances of any kind in any place with
intent to injure or kill any dog, cat or other domestic
animal.
(c) No person shall use a leg -hold steel -jawed trap,
steel -jawed trap or steel leg -hold traps, as defined in
California Fish and Game Code Section 4004, or as
amended, within the city.
Sec. 4.17 Abandonment of animals prohibited.
It shall be unlawful to abandon any animal in the city.
"Abandonment" as used herein refers to acts clearly indicating an
intent on the part of an owner or person with the right of control
or custody over an animal to permanently relinquish control over
the animal.
Sec. 4.18 Warning signs required; Posting.
The owner or keeper of a Wild or Exotic Animal or Level 2
Dangerous Dog, as those terms are defined in Section 4.1 and used
elsewhere in this Chapter, shall post, at the entrances to the
property where the animal is kept, a legible sign to be approved
by the Administrator warning persons of the animal. The sign shall
be capable of being understood by a child.
Sec. 4.19 Keeping of agricultural animals; Minimum area
requirements and required setbacks.
On any premises in any non - agricultural zoning district in
which agricultural animals are lawfully present and maintained, the
following minimum restrictions shall apply:
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -10-
(1) No agricultural animal shall be maintained on an area of
less than one acre, and the number of animals thereon
shall not exceed a number per acre of two adult animals
and their immature offspring.
(2) All open enclosures harboring agricultural animals,
whether pasture land or corral, shall be not less than
one hundred feet from the nearest school, church,
hospital or dwelling used for human habitation, other
than the residence of the owner of such animal, and shall
be set back at least thirty feet from any travelled
street or highway, except an alley.
Sec. 4.20 Swine, bees, chickens, roosters, peafowl, ostriches and
livestock prohibited except in agricultural zones.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or permit
to be maintained bees, swine, chickens, roosters,
ostriches or peafowl on any premises within the city that
have not been zoned for agricultural use. The term
"swine" as used herein does not include pot - bellied pigs
harbored in strict accordance with restrictions related
to noise or sanitation as provided in this Chapter.
(b) It is unlawful for any person to construct, establish,
conduct or maintain or cause to be constructed,
established or maintained, or engage in, except as
otherwise provided for in this Chapter, any dairy, stock
yard or stock corral, cattle ranch, rabbit or poultry
ranch, or public stable, on any premises not zoned for
agricultural use. Where such uses are existing on the
effective date of this ordinance, then such use shall be
allowed to continue as a nonconforming use.
Sec. 4.21 Exclusions from Chapter for medical uses or veterinary
care.
Nothing in this Chapter shall prohibit the keeping of any
animal by a licensed veterinarian for hospital or medical purposes
by any hospital or clinic, regardless of the zoning district,
provided all other provisions relating to the keeping of such
animals as required by this Chapter are adhered to.
Secs. 4.22 - 4.25 Reserved.
ARTICLE IV. DOGS AND CATS
Sec. 4.26 Dogs; Restraint required; Exceptions.
An owner or person with custody over or the right to the
control of any dog or dogs shall keep such dog or dogs confined to
said person's own premises within such enclosures as may be
reasonably appropriate to restrain the dog from running at large.
No dog shall be allowed to walk the public streets without being
restrained by means of a leash capable of restraining at least four
times the weight of such dog, except:
(a) Assistance Dogs while performing their duties;
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -11-
(b) Dogs participating in field or obedience trials or
exhibitions;
(c) Dogs assisting their owner or handler in lawful hunting
or herding of livestock;
(d) Dogs assisting a security guard or assisting a peace
officer engaged in law enforcement activities;
(e) Dogs being trained for any of the purposes set forth in
this section on private land with permission of the land
owner, so long as such dogs are under direct control of
such individuals to assure that they do not violate any
other provision or law.
Sec. 4.27 Dogs; License required.
(a) No person shall maintain or board any dog four months of
age or older which has not been licensed pursuant to the
provisions of this Chapter, except:
(1) A license shall not be required for an animal owned
or under the control of a nonresident of the city,
and which is to be kept in the city for less than
thirty days.
(2) A license shall not be required for dogs temporarily
brought into the city for entry into an event, show
or exhibition scheduled not more than ten days
thereafter.
(b) Compliance with the provisions of this Chapter, including
the requirement that any dog in the city over four months
of age be vaccinated, shall be a condition to the
issuance or renewal of any dog license.
(c) Prior to issuance of a dog license, the Administrator
shall require payment of a license fee which shall be
fixed by resolution and which shall not be refundable in
whole or in part, with the following exceptions:
(1) A reduced fee shall be charged for licenses issued
for spayed females or neutered males. The
Administrator may require the submission of a
certificate of a licensed veterinarian stating that
a dog has been spayed or neutered, or cannot be
spayed or neutered for health reasons and is
incapable of breeding prior to issuance of a license
at the lesser fee.
(2) An additional fee shall be fixed to be paid for a
license purchased more than sixty days after
expiration of a previously issued license or sixty
days after notice to the owner to obtain a license.
(3) Licenses and tags for dogs used principally for the
purpose of guiding persons who are blind or deaf,
and for dogs used in law enforcement by any
governmental agencies shall be issued upon request
without charge.
(e) Dog licenses shall be renewed upon expiration. The term
of any dog license issued under this Chapter shall
commence on the date of the issuance of the license and
shall terminate twelve months from the date of issue.
NO. 95 -9 -12-
4
When the license is renewed
the new license period shall
of the previous period.
.10
after the expiration date,
begin on the expiration date
Sec. 4.28 Dog licenses; License tag wearing required.
(a) Upon payment of the dog license fee and the presentation
of a valid certificate of vaccination by a duly licensed
doctor of veterinary medicine, the Administrator shall
issue a license stating the name and residence of the
person to whom the license is issued, the amount paid,
the date of issuance and expiration thereof, the date of
expiration of vaccination required under this Chapter,
and a description of the dog for which such license is
issued, together with the number of the metallic tag
accompanying the same.
(b) Upon request of any authorized animal control employee
or any peace officer, the owner or person having control
of a dog shall present the dog's license to that employee
or officer.
(c) With each dog license, the Administrator shall issue a
metal tag bearing an identifying number and the words and
letters "Gilroy, CA. Dog Lic." Each dog shall wear the
metal tag issued for it at all times except when being
shown at a dog show, exhibition or event. The fee for
such tag shall be set by resolution.
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to attach a metal tag
issued pursuant to this Chapter to any dog other than the
dog for which it was issued.
Sec. 4.29 Dogs; Vaccination and proof thereof.
(a) Every owner of a dog over four months of age shall cause
such dog to be vaccinated with an anti - rabies vaccine
approved by the State Department of Public Health. Re-
vaccination shall be made at such intervals of time as
may be prescribed by the State Department of Public
Health.
(b) Every veterinarian who vaccinates or causes or directs
to be vaccinated in the city any dog with anti - rabies
vaccine shall use a form provided by the Administrator
to certify that such animal has been vaccinated. Every
veterinarian shall submit to the licensing authority a
copy of the form within ten days of the beginning of each
month, for any dog which he vaccinates or directs to be
vaccinated with anti - rabies vaccine during the previous
month.
Sec. 4.30 Regulation of Dangerous Dogs.
(a) The Administrator shall determine whether any dog is a
Dangerous Dog as defined in Section 4.1.
(1) The making of such determination shall focus on the
dog's behavior or characteristics and shall be based
upon an investigation that includes observation of
and testimony about the dog's behavior or
characteristic, including the dog's upbringing and
the owner's control of the dog. These observations
NO. 95 -9 -13-
and testimony can be provided by Animal Control
Officers or by other witnesses who personally
observed the animal's behavior or characteristics.
The witnesses shall sign a written statement
attesting to this behavior.
(2) The Administrator or Animal Control Officer shall
give the dog's owner written notice of the
determination by personal service or by posting a
notice of the determination on the front door of the
residence of the owner or person who has a right to
control the animal. The notice shall state, at a
minimum, the following: the determination that has
been made; the date of notice posting or personal
service; that the owner or person with the right to
custody or control of the dog has the right to
request a hearing on that determination within 72
hours of the date of posting or personal service;
that failure to request a hearing within the stated
72 hours shall be deemed an admission of the
determination made; and a brief statement of the
types of restrictions that apply to the dog under
this Chapter once the determination becomes
permanent by virtue of the failure of the person
served or noticed to request a hearing.
(3) If the owner denies that the behavior in question
occurred, the owner may request a hearing before the
Administrator which shall be conducted in accordance
with the hearing process set forth in Section 4.56.
The Administrator shall determine whether behavior
or characteristics specified under Section 4.1 were
exhibited or possessed by the dog in question.
(4) Once the owner has received notice of the dog's
classification as a Level 1, 2, or 3 dangerous dog
pursuant to subparagraph (2) of this subsection,
the owner shall comply with restrictions specified
in the notice until such time as the Administrator's
final decision is issued. Failure to comply with
the specified restrictions pending the completion
of all appeals shall be a violation of this Chapter.
Additionally, the Administrator shall have authority
to impound the dog pending completion of all
appeals.
(4) If the Administrator finds that a dog has engaged
in Level 3 behavior, the dog shall be impounded
pending completion of all appeals. If the Admini-
strator's final decision is that the dog engaged in
Level 3 behavior, the dog's owner shall be liable
for the cost of the dog's impoundment.
(5) The imposition of regulations pursuant to this
section shall not prevent the Administrator from
also issuing a citation pursuant to this Chapter.
(6) Upon a conviction for a second violation of any
provision of this title, the Administrator or Animal
Control Officer may order impoundment of the dog.
(b) In addition to any other requirements of this Chapter,
the owner of a dog that has been determined to be a
Dangerous Dog under the processes provided for in this
Chapter shall comply with the following:
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -14-
0 0
(1) If the dog has engaged in Level 1 behavior or has
been designated a Level 1 dangerous dog as defined
in Section 4. 1, the dog shall be restrained by a
physical device or structure that prevents the dog
from reaching any public sidewalk or adjoining
property whenever that dog is outside the owner's
home and not on a leash under the control of a
person at least eighteen years of age and who is
physically capable of restraining the animal. The
Administrator shall adopt administrative rules
establishing specifications for the required device
or structure. The Administrator may require that
the dog's owner prove financial responsibility,
including posting a bond or certificate of insurance
in the amount of fifty thousand dollars.
(2) If the dog has engaged in Level 2 behavior or has
been designated a Level 2 dangerous dog, the owner
or person in control of the dog shall need the
following:
(i) Enclosure Required. Owner or person in control
shall confine the dog within a build or secured
enclosure whenever the dog is not inside the
home of the owner or on a leash as described
below. Such kennel, pen or structure must have
secure sides and a secure top attached thereto.
Such enclosure must be constructed in a manner
so that it cannot be broken down by any action
of the confined dog. All structures used for
confinement of such animals must be locked with
a key or combination lock of sufficient
strength to insure confinement of such animals.
Such structures must be erected upon a secure
bottom or floor constructed of concrete or
other materials sufficient to prevent the
animal from digging free. Sides of the
structure shall be imbedded not less than two
feet into the ground behind a solid fence not
less than six feet in height. The secure
enclosure must be located so as not to
interfere with the public's legal access to
the owner's property.
(ii) Off - premises securement. A Level 2 dog may be
permitted off the premises only when it is
securely muzzled, and is leashed on a leash not
to exceed three feet in length and under the
control of a person eighteen years of age or
older, and who is physically capable of
restraining the animal. The leash must be
capable of restraining four times the weight
of the animal. The leash must be attached to
an escape -proof commercial quality walking
harness which fastens securely across the
shoulders and mid -chest encompassing the rib
area and upper abdomen of the dog. No collar
of any type or material will be sufficient to
satisfy the above requirements. Level 2
dangerous dogs shall not be leashed or tethered
at any time to inanimate objects such as trees,
posts, or buildings. The muzzling device must
be constructed so that it is impossible for the
dog to remove it without human assistance.
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -15-
(3) Transportation of Level 2 dangerous dogs shall only
be in locked animal carriers equivalent in
construction quality to those used by commercial air
carriers.
(4) No Level 2 dangerous dog shall be left unconfined
nor unattended in or about any motor vehicle.
(5) Level 2 dangerous dogs enclosed in a house,
apartment, building or similar structure shall be
allowed only where the windows and doors of the
structure are secured to prevent such dog from
exiting without the assistance of the owner or
person with the right to control such dog. '
(6) The Administrator may require that the Level 2
dangerous dog owner prove financial responsibility
including posting a bond or certificate of insurance
in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars.
(c) Any dog that has been determined in accordance with the
determination and hearing and appeal processes set forth
in this Chapter to be a Level .3 Dangerous Dog as defined
in Section 4.1 shall be euthanized.
(d) In addition to the normal licensing fees established by
the city council, the Administrator is authorized to
establish an additional annual fee for dogs that have
been classified as a Level 2 Dangerous Dog in - accordance
with Section 4.1.
Sec. 4.31 Cats; Identifying tags.
(a) Every owner of a cat shall attach or cause to be attached
to each of his or her cats a collar with a tag bearing
the name, current residence and telephone number or other
information sufficient to enable the Administrator to
rapidly identify and contact the owner in the event the
cat is found astray or in need of medical help.
(b) In lieu of a tag and collar, the owner may cause to be
implanted in the. cat's skin an identifier chip; provided,
however, that -the owner, in connection with Causing such
identifier chip to be implanted, shall submit or cause
to be submitted to the company which has constructed or
maintains the identifier chip all -information necessary
to enable the Administrator to locate the owner or other
responsible person in the event the cat is found astray
or in need of medical help.
Sec. 4.32 Cats; Vaccination.
. Every owner of a cat over four months of age shall cause such
cat to be vaccinated with an anti - rabies vaccine approved by the
State Department of Health. The Administrator may require an owner
to show proof of such vaccination.
sec. 4.33 Maximum number of dogs, cats or litters.
(a) No person shall keep or maintain more than five dogs over
four months of age, or more than five cats over. four
months of age, or any combination totaling five dogs and
cats, including no more than one unspayed female dog or
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -16-
one unspayed female cat, on any premise except a premise
maintained by a veterinarian licensed by the state for
the practice of veterinary medicine, without a valid
permit procured from the Administrator pursuant to this
Chapter for a private kennel, commercial kennel, pet
shop, animal menagerie oK animal shelter.
(b) For purposes of this section, a female dog or cat shall
be rebuttably presumed to be unspayed, unless the owner
provides evidence of spaying. Written certification from
a licensed veterinarian that an animal cannot be spayed
for health reasons or is incapable of breeding shall be
deemed a satisfactory substitution for a certificate
showing an animal is spayed.
Sec. 4.34 Adoption of cats and dogs.
(a) Any person adopting an unaltered dog or cat from any
humane society animal shelter, public pound or society
for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter in the
city shall have such animal spayed or neutered on or
before a date specified in the adoption agreement, unless
a licensed veterinarian states in writing that the date
specified in the adoption agreement is inappropriate for
the animal in question. On submission of such written
statement to the person at such shelter or pound respon-
sible for ensuring compliance with this section, the
adoption agreement will be modified accordingly.
(b) As a condition for adoption, the person adopting a cat
or dog may be required to deposit with the pound or
shelter an amount sufficient to cover the cost of spaying
or neutering such animal by a veterinarian or spaying or
altering clinic designated by the person adopting the
animal. The deposit shall be forwarded to the veter-
inarian or clinic upon receipt by the pound or shelter
of a notice from the veterinarian or clinic that the cat
or dog has been spayed or neutered.
(c) All cats or dogs at least eight weeks of age, before they
are sold, must be immunized against common disease, in
the case of dogs against distemper; in the case of cats
against panleukopenia. The seller of a dog or cat shall
provide to the buyer at the time of sale a signed
statement from the seller attesting to the date of
vaccination and the seller's knowledge of the animal's
health. Such statement shall also include the animal's
immunization history, and the record of any known
disease, sickness or internal parasites that the animal
is afflicted with at the time of transfer of ownership,
and any known information on treatment and medication.
Secs. 4.35 - 4.36 Reserved.
ARTICLE V. ANIMAL CONTROL PERMITS
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -17-
Sec. 4.37 Permit required; Fee.
No person shall conduct, operate or keep any pet shop,
commercial kennel, private kennel, pet grooming parlor, animal
menagerie, animal shelter or horse establishment, nor shall any
person keep a Wild or Exotic Animal, without first obtaining an
animal control permit in strict accordance with the standards set
forth in this Chapter. Application and annual fees for such permit
shall be fixed by resolution.
Sec. 4.35 Animal Control Permit; Application; Conditions.
(a) An application for an animal control permit shall be in
writing on a form approved by the Administrator. The
applicant shall furnish a list of the types of animals
to be maintained or used for any purpose, together with
the approximate number of animals of each type.
(b) The Administrator may establish regulations and standards
relating to: "
(1) The maximum number and species of animals to be kept
or maintained on the premises;
(2) The construction, sanitation and maintenance of
facilities; and
(3) Any other regulations and standards in conformity
with and for the purpose of carrying out the intent
of this Chapter.
(c) Compliance with such rules and regulations shall be
prerequisite to the issuance and continued validity of
any permit provided pursuant to this title.
(d) The permittee shall maintain a record of the names and
addresses of persons from whom animals are received and
to whom the animals are sold, traded or given. This
shall be available to the Administrator upon request.
Such records shall be kept for a minimum of two years.
Sec. 4.39 Permit; Inspection of premises.
As a condition to the issuance or renewal of an animal control
permit, the Administrator or Animal Control Officer shall have the
authority to inspect at any reasonable time the facility housing
the animal or animals subject to the permit for conformance with
the housing, sanitation, safety and other standards set forth in
this Chapter.
Sec. 4.40 Permit; Denial or revocation; Conditions.
The Administrator may deny or revoke any permit issued
pursuant to this Chapter in the following situations:
(a) Whenever he determines by inspection that any facility
in which the animal which is the subject of the permit
fails to meet any of the conditions of the permit, this
Chapter or applicable state or federal law;
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -18-
(b) Whenever the Administrator has reason to believe that
the applicant or permit holder has wilfully withheld or
falsified any information required for a permit;
(c) If the applicant or permit holder has been convicted by
a court of law of more than two violations in a
twelve -month period of this Chapter, or state laws
relating to animals or public nuisance caused by animals,
or has been convicted of cruelty to animals in this or
any other state within the previous five years. For the
purposes of this Chapter, a bail forfeiture shall be
deemed to be a conviction of the offense charged.
Bee. 4.41 Permit; Denial or revocation; Appeal procedures.
(a) Prior to denial or revocation of a permit, the Adminis-
trator shall notify the applicant in writing of the
intent to deny or revoke the permit, the reasons for such
denial or revocation, and that the applicant may make a
written request for an appeal hearing before the
Administrator within five days after receipt of such
notice if he wishes to challenge the denial or
revocation.
(b) The Administrator shall set the time and place for
hearing and cause notice of such hearing to be mailed to
the person requesting such hearing at least five days
before the date of the hearing. The hearing may be held
by the Administrator or other designated hearing
examiner.
(c) At the hearing, the applicant and the animal control
division may be represented by counsel, may present oral
and written evidence, and may cross- examine witnesses.
Any relevant evidence may be admitted and strict rules
of evidence need not apply. The decision of the hearing
examiner shall be written and based entirely on the
record. The hearing examiner shall issue his or her
decision within 10 business days from the date of the
hearing and that decision shall be final.
Sec. 4.42 Permit; Expiration and renewal; Late penalty.
(a) Any permit issued under this Chapter shall expire twelve
months from the date of issuance. The procedure to the
renewal of a permit shall be the same as for an original
permit.
(b) Upon failure to make application for the renewal of
permit within thirty days of the expiration of a permit,
or prior thereto, the applicant shall pay in addition to
the permit fee an additional fee to be set by Resolu-
tion.
(c) If a permit has been denied or revoked, the Administrator
shall not accept a new permit application from the same
person for the same activity at, the same location less
than six months after such denial or revocation, unless
the applicant shows, and the Administrator finds, by
inspection and /or investigation, that the grounds upon
which the first application was denied or the permit
revoked no longer exist.
NO. 95 -9 -19-
Sec. 4.43 Permit; Nontransferable.
Any animal control permit is personal to the holder and is
not transferable.
See. 4.44 Animal Establishment standards.
Every person who owns, conducts, manages or operates any
Animal Establishment shall comply with each of the following
standards, which standards shall also operate as ongoing conditions
of any animal control permit issued pursuant to this Chapter:
(a) Housing.
(1) Housing facilities for animals shall be structurally
sound and shall be maintained in good repair to
protect animals from injury and restrict entrance
of other animals or the escape of animals so
contained therein.
(2) Every building or enclosure wherein animals are
maintained 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.
(3) All animal rooms, cages, kennels, runs, stalls and
corrals shall be of sufficient size to provide
adequate and proper accommodation and protection
from the weather for the animals kept therein.
(4) All animal facilities shall be constructed and
operated in a manner that reasonably protects public
health and safety, and safety to animals.
(b) Sanitation. All animal facilities shall be maintained
and operated at all times in a clean and sanitary
condition and in a manner that avoids causing odors or
attraction of flies and vermin and excessive noise.
(c) Care of Animals
(1) All animals shall be supplied with a quantity of
wholesome food suitable for the species and age of
the respective animals, as often as the feeding
habits of such animals require, sufficient to
maintain a reasonable level of nutrition. All
animals shall have available to them sufficient
potable water. Food and water shall be served in
separate, clean receptacles.
(2) No animal, except those animal(s) in pasture
provided with adequate feed and water, shall be
without attention for more than twenty -four consecu-
tive hours. The name, address and telephone number
of a person responsible for the animal shall be
posted in a conspicuous place, visible from outside
the facility or at the main gate of a pasture where
animals are kept, unless the owner or attendant of
the animal or animals is immediately available on
the premises.
(3) All sick, diseased or injured animals shall be
isolated from healthy. animals at all times, and
NO. 95 -9 -20-
shall. be given proper medical treatment. The
Administrator may order the operator of the facility
to immediately seek licensed veterinarian treatment
for any animal.
(4) All animals shall be treated in a humane manner.
(d) Compliance
(1) The Administrator or his authorized representative
shall have the authority to enter the animal
facility when he has reason to believe that the
provisions of the permit or this title, applicable
state law or the rules or regulations of the
Administrator are being violated. The failure of
the operator to consent to the entry shall be deemed
just cause for the,revocation of the permit.
(2) Failure of the applicant or a permit holder to
comply with any of the provisions of the permit,
this title or applicable state law, or the rules and
regulations of the Administrator shall be deemed
just cause for the denial of any permit, either
original or renewal, or for revocation of a permit.
Sec. 4.45 Mild Or Exotic Animals.
(a) No person shall have, keep or maintain, or have in his
possession or control, any elephant, bear, hippopotamus,
rhinoceros, lion, tiger, leopard, wolf, monkey or any
poisonous or venomous reptile of any kind, or any wild
or exotic, dangerous or carnivorous wild animal or
reptile without first applying to and receiving from the
Administrator an animal control permit.
(b) In addition to the standards applicable to Animal
Establishments, the Administrator may deny or revoke such
permit for the keeping of a wild or exotic animal upon
finding the following:
(1) The animal which is the subject of the application
may not be kept or maintained without endangering
the safety of any person or persons or property; or
(2) The keeping of the animal would constitute a public
nuisance; or
(3) The animal would be subject to suffering, neglect,
cruelty or abuse.
(c) The Administrator, in his discretion, may condition
issuance of the permit upon specific requirements that
require the animal be properly caged, tethered or
restrained in facilities that meet or are in addition to,
or more restrictive than state or federal guidelines or
regulations relating to design and maintenance of zoo
facilities.
(d) Except as otherwise provided for in this Chapter, no
permit shall be required for the keeping of any wild or
exotic animal in the following circumstances:
(1) No permit shall be required for the keeping of any
Wild or Exotic Animal by any zoo, university,
college, governmental research agency or other bona
NO. 95 -9 -2-1-
fide scientific institution engaging in scientific
or public health research. For the purposes of this
Chapter, a zoo shall be considered any organization
which exhibits animals that are not for sale to
private individuals to the general public at regular
specified hours.
(2) No permit shall be required for the keeping of any
animal which is may not be domesticated and may be
exotic but which is commonly kept as a household pet
and lawfully sold in pet shops. Examples of such
wild or exotic pets include, but are not limited to,
tarantulas, lizards, iguanas, chinchillas, and other
small pets lawfully sold and obtained.
Sec. 4.46 - 4.49 Reserved.
ARTICLE VIII. IMPOUNDMENT
Sec. 4.50 Seizure and process therefor.
(a) Notwithstanding Section 4.8 of this Chapter, an Animal
Control Officer or peace officer may seize and impound
an animal for violation of any provision of this title
or state law, without prior notice and prior to a
hearing, in any of the following situations where the
officer reasonably believes it is necessary:
(1) To protect public health, safety and property;
(2) To protect an animal which is injured, sick or
starving and must be cared for; and
(3) Where the owner is not present, to protect an animal
from injury which has strayed onto public property
or a public right -of -way.
(b) Where the officer determines the animal must be seized
and impounded in accordance with subdivision (a) , the
officer shall post a notice of such impoundment on the
front door of the residence of the owner or person who
has a right to control the animal. The notice shall
state the following: that the animal has been impounded,
where the animal is being held, the name, address and
telephone number of the agency or person to be contacted
regarding release of the animal, and an indication of the
ultimate disposition of the animal if no action to regain
it is taken within a specified period of time by its
owner or by the person who has a right to control or
custody of the animal.
(c) Where the owner or person in control of the animal has
not contacted the police or citation issuing office in
accordance with directions provided in the notice, the
Administrator shall attempt to contact that person again
after 24 hours and then 48 hours.
(c) Persons owning or providing custody for the impounded
animal may appeal the decision impoundment in accordance
with the process set forth under Sections 4.55 through
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -22-
4.57. If the owner or person who has the right to
control the animal wishes to challenge the impoundment,
the owner shall personally deliver or mail a written
request for a hearing, such that it is received by the
Administrator within seventy" -two hours of the seizure and
impoundment.
(d) The Administrator shall promptly set the time and place
for the hearing and shall cause notice of such hearing
to be deposited in the mail to the party requesting a
hearing at least five days before the date of the
hearing.
Sec. 4.51 seizure of at -large dogs or Wild or Ssotic Animals.
(a) Except as elsewhere provided in this Chapter, an Animal
Control Officer shall not seize or impound a dog or Wild
or Exotic Animal for running at -large under the
provisions of this title when the animal has not strayed
from and is upon the private property of the owner or the
person who has a right to control the animal, or upon
private property to which the animal owner or person who
has the right to control the animal has a right of
possession.
(b) An Animal Control Officer shall not seize or impound a
dog which has strayed from, but then returned to, the
enclosed portion of private property of his owner or the
person who has a right to control the dog. In such a
case, a citation may be issued to the owner or person in
control of the animal. An officer may seize and impound
any Wild or Exotic Animal which has strayed from, but has
returned to, the property of the animal's owner or
keeper.
(c) Where the officer is authorized to issue a citation under
subsection (b), but the owner or person who has a right
to control or custody of the animal cannot be located,
and in the reasonable opinion of the Animal Control or
peace officer at the scene the animal poses a threat of
running at -large again, the animal may be impounded.
Sec. 4.52 Proper care required.
The Administrator shall assure that all impounded animals
receive suitable and adequate food, water and shelter.
Sec. 4.53 Redemption.
The Administrator or Animal Control Officer may permit an
owner or other person entitled to custody of an impounded animal
to redeem such animal. No animal may be redeemed without payment
of the fees for impounding and keeping the animal, and without
compliance with the licensing provisions of this title.
Sec. 4.54 Disposition time limitation; diseased or injured animals.
(a) No animal may be.disposed of until seventy -two hours have
elapsed from the date of impoundment, exclusive of the
day of impoundment and the days that the impounding
facility is closed to the public.
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9 -23-
0 0
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, an animal which
has been determined by a veterinarian licensed by the
state or by other authorized personnel to be diseased or
injured to the extent that emergency veterinary care will
not alleviate intense suffering, shall be destroyed in
accordance with all state and county humane laws as soon
as possible.
Sec. 4.55 Hearing prior to animal deprivation.
(a) Except as provided otherwise in this Chapter, the
Administrator, Animal Control Officer or peace officer
may not seize or impound any animal without the consent
of the owner or person entitled to custody of the animal,
unless notice of that seizure has been properly served
as provided for in this Chapter.
(b) If the owner or person who has a right to control an
animal refuses to consent to an impoundment of any animal
owned by such person, the Animal Control Officer may
issue a notice commanding the person to appear before the
Administrator at a set time.
See. 4.56 Appeal hearing and decision.
(a) Conduct of hearing. At the hearing, the applicant and
the animal control division may be represented by
counsel, may present oral and written evidence, and may
cross - examine witnesses. Any relevant evidence may be
admitted and strict rules of evidence need not apply.
(b) Form and timing of decision. The petitioner shall be
given written notice of the decision within fifteen days
of the hearing. The decision of the hearing examiner
shall be written and based entirely on the record. The
Administrator shall order the animal released without
conditions, released with conditions, shall designate the
animal vicious, dangerous Level 1 ,2, or 3 and order
release with conditions, or for dogs designated Level 3
shall order the animal destroyed.
(c) Effect of decision. The decision of the Administrator
shall be final and shall be supported by the weight of
the evidence. Any release conditions imposed by the
Administrator shall be solely in the interest of
protecting public health, safety and property and the
safety of the animal may include. the obligation to
inform, along with animal control, and city, county,
postal, service utility company, employee, meter reader,
and anyone else that comes on the property with implied
consent or peaceably and lawfully of the animal's
dangerousness if the animal is moved into an area.
Sec. 4.57 Failure to appeal impoundment
Any person who fails to appeal any seizure or impoundment by
the Animal Control Officer under this title within seventy -two
hours from impoundment will forfeit all rights of ownership and
control of the animal. Final disposition of the animal shall be
determined by that agency in accordance with the provisions of this
title and state law.
ORDINANCE NO. 95 -9
-24-
Sec. 4.58 Judicial Review.
The City has adopted California Code of Civil Procedure
Section 1094.6, setting a time limit for seeking review of
administrative decisions subject to review under that section.
Sec. 4.59 Fees and charges.
(a) An impoundment fee shall be charged to the owner of each
animal impounded, in an amount fixed by resolution.
(b) In addition, a fee for keeping an impounded animal shall
be charged in an amount sufficient to defray the costs
of keeping the animal, as determined by the Admini-
strator.
Secs. 4.60 - 4.62 Reserved.
Sec. 4.63 Severability.
If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause,
phrase or word of this Chapter is for any reason held to be invalid
by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not
affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.
The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this
ordinance and each and every provision herein, irrespective of the
possibility that one or more provisions might be declared invalid.
SECTION IV
This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force
thirty (30) days from and after this ordinance's final adoption and
approval.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 1st day of May, 1995 by the
following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: KLOECKER, MORALES, ROGERS, ROWLISON,
VALDEZ, GAGE
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GILROY
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
APPROVED:
Aa,4_X4,�
Donald F. Gage, Mayy -�
ATT T:,���/ /
Susanne E. Steinmetz, Cit erk
\279 \179789.8
59- 050404706002
-25-
r
I, SUSANNE E. STEINMETZ, City Clerk of the City of Gilroy, do
hereby certify that the attached Ordinance No. 95 -9 is an original
ordinance, duly adopted by the Council of the City of Gilroy at a regular
meeting of said Council held on the 1st day of May 19 95,
at which meeting a quorum was present.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
Official Seal of the City of Gilroy this 9th day of May
19 95
City Clerk of the City of Gilroy
(Seal)