Bellflower, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Bellflower Municipal Code Chapter 6.04 (Animal Control) governs dogs at large. The code states that no person owning or having charge, care, control, custody or possession of any dog shall permit the dog to be off the owner's premises unless it is securely confined by a strong leash not exceeding six feet, securely and continuously held by a competent person, or unless the dog is confined within an enclosed vehicle. The leash requirement does not apply to a dog being used for law enforcement purposes by a state, county, or city agency, or when the dog is within a city-established off-leash dog park and the handler follows the rules in Section 12.40.020. Dogs found running at large may be impounded by the Director at the designated Bellflower Animal Shelter. The city historically contracted field animal-control response and licensing through SEAACA (Southeast Area Animal Control Authority) in Downey; in September 2025 the City Council restructured services, moving frontline field response to Southwest Patrol Inc., impound to SPCA-LA, and dog licensing in-house. California Civil Code Section 1714 also makes owners liable for dog-bite injuries regardless of prior viciousness.