Upland, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited
- wild, dangerous, or poisonous animals
- Includes
- any carnivorous wild animal
- Designation authority
- Upland animal services
- Cross-reference
- Chapter 6.08 for dangerous dogs
- Enforcement
- chief animal services officer, seizure power
Summary
Upland Municipal Code Section 6.04.170 makes it unlawful to have, possess, maintain or control any wild, dangerous or poisonous animal within city limits, except as otherwise provided by law. The code defines a 'dangerous animal' broadly enough to reach any carnivorous wild animal or one Upland animal services determines threatens people or pets.
It is unlawful for any person to have, possess, maintain or control within the city, any wild, dangerous or poisonous animal, except as otherwise provided by law, including Chapter 6.08 of this code. "Dangerous animal" means any carnivorous wild animal or other animal commonly known to be a threat to humans or domestic animals, including dogs and cats. "Dangerous animal" also means any other animal determined by Upland animal services to present a danger to human beings and/or domestic animals, including dogs and cats.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4480959; v4 updated 2025-09-22).
Full Breakdown
' The section defines 'dangerous animal' as any carnivorous wild animal or other animal commonly known to be a threat to humans or domestic animals, including dogs and cats, and also lets Upland animal services designate any other animal as dangerous based on the threat it poses to people or pets. 08 (Potentially Dangerous and/or Vicious Dogs) signals that dogs are handled through that chapter's hearing-based process rather than this flat exotic-animal ban. 180 have the police power to enter premises, investigate complaints, and seize or impound animals kept in violation of this chapter, and who may also refer violations for citation under the laws of the state of California governing humane care and treatment of animals.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Section 6.04.170 is punishable under Section 6.04.230's general penalty for Chapter 6.04 violations, referencing Chapter 1.16. Chapter 1.16.020 sets the default infraction schedule at up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for further repeats, and the chief animal services officer may seize and impound the animal under Section 6.04.180.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally keep a wild animal as a pet in Upland?
How does Upland define a 'dangerous animal'?
Does this ban apply to my pet dog?
Who enforces the exotic-animal ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Upland
California rules heatmap·Compare Upland to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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