Clovis's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Clovis, California, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Dog Leash Laws

Dogs must be leashed in all public areas per Clovis Municipal Code Title 6. Leash max 6 ft. Off-leash only in designated areas. Dog licensing required annually for dogs over 4 months.

Key details: Leash Max: 6 feet in public. License: Annual, over 4 months. Vaccination: Rabies required (CA law). Animal Control: Central CA SPCA contract. First Fine: $50 at-large.

At-large dog: $50 first offense, $100 second, $250 third. Unlicensed dog: $25-$100. Impound fees plus daily boarding. Aggressive dog declarations trigger stricter confinement rules.

Livestock

Clovis restricts livestock to agricultural zones under CMC Title 9. Standard residential zones prohibit horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry. The CA Right to Farm Act protects existing ag operations.

Key details: Code Section: CMC Title 9 and Chapter 6.1. Residential Zones: Livestock generally prohibited. Agricultural Zones: Livestock allowed with standards. State Protection: Right to Farm Act (CC 3482.5). Enforcement: Code Enforcement / Animal Services.

Keeping livestock in a prohibited zone is a zoning violation enforceable by Clovis Code Enforcement. Violations may result in notices to comply, administrative citations, and fines. Failure to remove livestock from a non-conforming zone may lead to daily penalties and nuisance abatement proceedings.

Compared to other cities, Clovis takes a harder line on livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Wildlife Feeding

Intentional feeding of wild animals (coyotes, deer, raccoons) discouraged and may trigger nuisance enforcement. Bird feeding generally permitted. CDFW regulates wildlife; state law prohibits feeding large predators.

Key details: Big Game: CA law prohibits feeding. Coyotes: Strongly discouraged. Bird Feeders: Generally allowed. Trash: Must be secured. CDFW Hotline: Report aggressive wildlife.

Feeding big game/predators: CDFW misdemeanor, fines up to $1,000. Nuisance animal attraction: abatement order, possible citation.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping allowed in Clovis with setback requirements. CA Food & Ag Code §29301 requires CDFA registration within 30 days of acquiring hives. Commercial apiaries need county registration.

Key details: State Registration: CDFA within 30 days. Local Registration: Fresno County Ag Comm. Residential: Allowed with standards. Water Source: Required on-site. HOA Rules: May still restrict.

Unregistered apiary: CDFA fines. Nuisance swarms: abatement order, removal at owner cost. Failure to provide water source: nuisance citation.

Chickens & Livestock

Backyard chickens allowed in Clovis residential zones with setbacks; roosters typically prohibited. Larger livestock restricted to R-A (agricultural-residential) and A-E zones. Lot size and coop placement standards apply.

Key details: Hens: Allowed, coop setbacks. Roosters: Prohibited residential. Horses: R-A/A-E zones only. Slaughter: Prohibited residential. Zoning: Check lot zone designation.

Rooster in residential zone: nuisance citation $100+. Excess hens over limit: abatement order. Livestock in prohibited zone: removal required.

Breed Restrictions

No breed-specific legislation in Clovis. California Food & Ag Code §31683 preempts local breed bans. Dangerous/vicious dog declarations are behavior-based and apply to any breed.

Key details: State Preemption: CA F&A §31683. Breed Bans: Prohibited by state law. Dangerous Dog: Behavior-based only. Spay/Neuter Mandate: None in Clovis. HOA/Insurance: May restrict privately.

Dangerous dog violations: confinement orders, muzzle requirements, liability insurance. Vicious dog (prior serious injury): court-ordered destruction possible. Fines vary $100-$1,000+.

The rules around breed restrictions in Clovis lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Exotic Pets

Exotic animals prohibited under CA Fish & Game Code §2118 and CCR Title 14 §671. Ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys, most wild animals illegal statewide. Clovis enforces state restricted species list.

Key details: State Law: CA F&G §2118, CCR 14 §671. Ferrets/Hedgehogs: ILLEGAL statewide. Max Fine: $10,000 + 6 mo jail. Permit Authority: CDFW. Legal: Common pets, most reptiles.

Illegal exotic pet: misdemeanor per CA F&G §2125, up to $10,000 fine and 6 months jail. Animal seized and either euthanized or sent to sanctuary.

Compared to other cities, Clovis takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Clovis is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Clovis, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Clovis can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.