Hanford, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- HMC § 6.24.150
- At-large exemption requires
- spay/neuter + rabies shot + ear-tip or license
- Feral feeding
- must join a recognized TNR program
- Enforcement
- infraction, fine by council resolution
Summary
Hanford bans letting a cat run free unless it is spayed/neutered, rabies-vaccinated, and ear-tipped or licensed; feral-cat feeders must first join a recognized TNR program.
It shall be unlawful for any owner of any cat to permit such cat to run free outside the residence of its owner or keeper unless such cat has been:
A. Neutered or spayed to prevent procreating;
B. Immunized against rabies;
C. Appropriately tipped on the ear to signify that the cat has been altered and immunized. In lieu of ear tipping the cat owner may license the cat per Section 6.12.030 and attach the supplied license on the collar of the cat. (Ord. 20-05 § 1, 2020)
Full Breakdown
Under Hanford Municipal Code § 6.24.150, cat owners may not let their cat run free outside the owner's residence unless it has been neutered/spayed, immunized against rabies, and ear-tipped (or licensed under § 6.12.030, with the license tag worn as an alternative to tipping). A companion provision, § 6.24.170, separately makes it unlawful to feed a feral cat in a way that creates a nuisance unless the feeder first enrolls with a state-licensed veterinarian or an established nonprofit trap-neuter-return program recognized by the Hanford police department or Kings County animal shelter.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Title 6 are infractions under Government Code § 36900, with fines set by city council resolution; the city may also pursue additional civil or criminal penalties (HMC § 6.04.090).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I let my cat roam outside in Hanford?
Is feeding feral cats illegal in Hanford?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hanford
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