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

3 of the animal-keeping section defines 'at large' broadly: an animal is at large whenever it is not on the premises of its owner or custodian and is unattended, a definition that covers dogs, cats, livestock, and any other kept animal, not just dogs off leash. The animal control authority, peace officers, or other city-designated animal regulation personnel are directed to capture any animal found at large within the city and process it as an impounded animal. 040 simply because the animal is loose and unattended, regardless of whether it caused any additional harm.

b makes the owner responsible for all reasonable costs the city and animal control authority incur in capturing and impounding it, covering livestock, exotic animals, and poultry that get loose. Dogs and cats are impounded under the same at-large rule but are handled through the city's separate impound and redemption process rather than this specific cost-shifting provision. 040-1 and its setback table, part of the city's effort to keep loose or unattended animals from becoming a nuisance, safety hazard, or public health issue in residential neighborhoods.