Beaumont, CA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Beaumont Municipal Code § 6.02.080 says no person shall own, keep or harbor an unaltered dog or cat in violation of the section. The owner or custodian of an unaltered dog has three ways to comply: have the dog spayed or neutered, provide a certificate of sterility, or obtain an unaltered dog license under Title 6. The owner or custodian of an unaltered cat has two: spay or neuter, or provide a certificate of sterility. The enforcement trigger is narrow. An administrative citation, infraction or other authorized penalty for failing to spay or neuter can be issued only when the owner or custodian is concurrently cited for another violation of state or local animal law.

The section lists failure to hold a current canine rabies vaccination, dog or cat at large, failure to license a dog, leash violations, kennel or cattery permit violations, tethering, unsanitary conditions, inadequate care under the Penal Code, fighting dog activity under Penal Code section 597.5, animals left unattended in vehicles, potentially dangerous, dangerous or vicious animals, and noisy animals. Once such a violation is found, the owner or custodian must spay or neuter the animal. Section 6.02.090 exempts a dog or cat with a high likelihood of serious bodily harm or death from surgery due to age or infirmity, with written confirmation from a California licensed veterinarian.

If a dog can be safely altered later than 30 days out, the owner must apply for an unaltered dog license. Animals owned by City-licensed dog or cat breeders are also exempt. Under § 6.02.005 an animal is altered when spayed or neutered, and the unaltered definitions apply from four months of age.