How Fontana Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Fontana maintains 107 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Fontana falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Chickens & Livestock

Keeping more than 50 chickens or other birds on one property in Fontana makes it a regulated 'poultry ranch' that needs an annual permit from the public works department's environmental control section. Grazing more than four sheep per acre likewise requires a separate city permit, fencing, and a $500 cash bond.

Key details: Poultry ranch threshold: More than 50 chickens or birds. Poultry permit: Annual permit, public works environmental control. Sheep density limit: 4 sheep per acre without a permit. Sheep permit fee: $125.00 annually. Sheep grazing bond: $500.00 cash bond required.

Operating a poultry ranch (more than 50 birds) without the annual public works permit violates Sec. 13-102 and can draw the fly-control article's misdemeanor and infraction penalties under Sec. 13-100. Grazing more than four sheep per acre without a city-manager-issued permit, adequate fencing or the $500 bond violates Sec. 4-7 and is grounds for denial of future grazing permits under Sec. 4-7(f).

Dog Leash Laws

Fontana bars dog owners from taking their dog off the property unless it wears a leash no longer than six feet under a competent handler's control, rides secured in a car or cage, or stays under the handler's immediate command. Dogs kept at home must stay behind a locked enclosure or a tether strong enough to keep them off the property line and the public right-of-way.

Key details: Max leash length: 6 feet. Stray hold period: 72 hours before disposition. Violation class: Misdemeanor. Puppies exempt until: 4 months, if confined. Governing section: Sec. 4-2.

Violating the leash and confinement rules is a misdemeanor under Sec. 4-2(8). Animal control impounds a loose or unrestrained dog for 72 hours before it is deemed unclaimed and disposed of under Sec. 4-3; owners who retrieve an impounded dog must pay the reclaiming fee set under Sec. 4-68.

Mandatory Spay/Neuter

Fontana requires every Pit Bull, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or identifiable mix to be spayed or neutered unless the owner holds AKC or UKC breeding registration, the dog works for law enforcement, qualifies as a certified service animal, or a veterinarian certifies surgery risks serious harm. A pit bull declared vicious loses every exemption and must be altered within 30 days.

Key details: Covered breeds: Pit Bull, Am. Staffordshire Terrier, mixes. Deadline after vicious finding: 30 days. Exemptions: AKC/UKC papers, K-9, service dog, vet-certified unfit. Sale of unaltered pit bull: Prohibited, Sec. 4-69(d). Governing section: Sec. 4-69.

Sec. 4-69 sets no penalty of its own, so keeping, selling or transferring an unaltered pit bull without a qualifying exemption falls under the citywide general penalty in Sec. 1-7: a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 in fines, up to six months in county jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.

This is one of the stricter rules in Fontana's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Breed Restrictions

Fontana does not restrict dogs by breed. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts cities from banning specific breeds, so Fontana uses behavior-based dangerous and vicious dog rules from Chapter 4 instead.

Key details: Breed Ban: Prohibited by CA F and A Code 31683. Fontana Code: Chapter 4 Animals behavior-based. Dangerous Dog: Declared after hearing on incidents. Typical Conditions: Fence, muzzle, insurance, microchip. Animal Services: (909) 350-7651.

Exotic Pets

California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 671 bans a long list of exotic species statewide, including ferrets, hedgehogs, and most non-native wildlife. Fontana enforces these state rules through Chapter 4 and defers to CDFW permits for allowed species.

Key details: State Rule: CCR Title 14 Section 671. Illegal in CA: Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders. Needs Permit: Most native wildlife and big cats. Local Code: FMC Chapter 4. Animal Services: (909) 350-7651.

The Bottom Line

Fontana's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Fontana is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Fontana's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.