Glenn County, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- First impound
- $35.00 civil penalty
- Second impound
- $50.00 civil penalty
- Third impound
- $100.00 civil penalty
- Applies to
- Non-spayed/unneutered dogs and cats, when impounded
- Adopted
- Ordinance 1321, December 13, 2022
Summary
Glenn County does not require owned pets to be spayed or neutered, but Code Section 8.04.093 fines the owner of any non-spayed or unneutered dog or cat that gets impounded: $35 the first time, $50 the second, and $100 for a third occurrence.
In accordance with sections 30804.7 and 31751.7 of the Food and Agricultural Code, the owner of any non-spayed or un-neutered dog or cat that is impounded shall be liable for a civil penalty as follows, in addition to any other fees and penalties due under this title: 1. First occurrence: $35.00; 2. Second occurrence: $50.00; 3. Third occurrence: $100.00 Any funds collected under this section shall be expended for the purpose of humane education, programs for low cost spaying and neutering of dogs, and any additional costs incurred by the public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group in the administration of the requirements of Divisions 14 and 14.5 of the Food and Agricultural Code.
Full Breakdown
092. The penalty attaches only when the animal is actually impounded, so the ordinance does not require every dog or cat in unincorporated Glenn County to be altered; it creates a financial consequence tied to the shelter system rather than a blanket mandate. 5 of the Food and Agricultural Code, the state's dog and cat licensing and sterilization statutes. 092 lets the animal control officer waive impoundment or boarding fees in cases of proven financial hardship, defined as an inability to meet ongoing family expenses for food, clothing, and shelter, unless the person seeking the waiver was convicted within the last five years of an animal-cruelty or nuisance offense. 100.
Violations & Fines
An owner whose non-spayed or unneutered dog or cat is impounded owes the tiered $35/$50/$100 civil penalty under Section 8.04.093 in addition to the impoundment and boarding fees set under Section 8.04.092, and the county can withhold hardship fee waivers from anyone convicted of an animal-cruelty or nuisance offense in the prior five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Glenn County require all pets to be spayed or neutered?
How much is the fine if my unaltered dog is picked up by animal control a second time?
Where does the money from these penalties go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Glenn County
California rules heatmap·Compare Glenn County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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