Livestock may be kept on unincorporated parcels zoned for them, but in congested areas owners must keep them fenced on-premises; livestock at large is unlawful and may be impounded. Estrays are handled under Nevada's state estray law, NRS Chapter 569.
Washoe County Code 55.100 requires owners of cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, poultry and similar animals in congested areas to keep them restrained on their premises. WCC 55.540 makes it unlawful for livestock to be at large in any congested area, and WCC 55.550 lets an animal-control or peace officer impound at-large livestock, with notice to the Nevada Department of Agriculture. Where any impounded animal is an 'estray' within NRS 569.0075, WCC 55.530 provides the state estray statutes (NRS 569.005-569.130) take precedence. Livestock density and permitted species are set by the Development Code zoning.
At-large livestock may be impounded; the owner redeems by paying impound and care costs. Estray livestock is disposed of under the state process in NRS Chapter 569 rather than the ordinary animal-shelter process.
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