Rialto Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals) requires dogs to be restrained on a leash when off the owner's property and prohibits any dog from running at large in the city. Owners are strictly liable for control of the animal in public rights-of-way, parks, and on other private property.
Rialto operates under Title 6 of the Municipal Code (Animals), which is the local animal-control framework administered by the City of Rialto Animal Services / Community Compliance Division and coordinated with San Bernardino County for sheltering. Dogs must be on a leash held by a competent person whenever off the owner's premises; an unattended or unrestrained dog in any public place constitutes 'at large.' California Food & Agricultural Code §30951 separately authorizes local impoundment of stray dogs, and Cal. Civil Code §3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites regardless of prior viciousness. State rabies-vaccination and licensing requirements (Health & Safety Code §121690) are enforced locally through the Rialto dog-license program in Title 6. Off-leash exercise is permitted only in legally designated off-leash areas; Rialto's general parks rule (Title 12 / Parks) requires leashes in city parks.
Running-at-large and leash violations are typically infractions under Title 6 with fines that escalate with repeat offenses (commonly $50 first / $100 second / $250+ third under the city's general penalty schedule, Rialto Code §1.16). Impounded dogs incur impound, board, and license-late fees before release. Continued at-large violations or failure to license can be charged as a misdemeanor under the Title 6 general penalty provision.
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