Animal Ordinances in Hanford, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Hanford or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Hanford has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Dog Leash Laws

Hanford Municipal Code Title 6, Chapter 6.08 (Animal Control) requires all dogs to be kept under restraint at all times. HMC 6.08.020 makes it unlawful to permit a dog on any public street, alley, park, or place open to the public unless it is securely leashed and the leash is held continuously by a person capable of controlling the dog (or the dog is confined in a vehicle). Restraint is defined as a leash not in excess of 8 feet, a tethered lead, or a fenced enclosure. Off-leash use is allowed only at City-designated dog parks (Hidden Valley, Freedom, Redwood, and basin parks). Dogs running at large can be impounded under HMC 6.08. California Food & Agricultural Code section 30951 makes the local owner liable for impound costs. Animal control complaints: Hanford Police non-emergency (559) 585-2540.

Key details: Primary Code: HMC 6.08.020. Max Leash Length: 8 feet. Restraint Required: Leash, tether, or fenced enclosure. Off-Leash Allowed: City dog parks only. State Authority: Cal. Food & Ag Code section 30951.

A dog-at-large violation under HMC 6.08.020 is an infraction citation issued by Hanford Police or animal control. The dog can be impounded; the owner must pay impound, daily boarding, and licensing/vaccination fees before redemption per Cal. Food & Ag Code section 30951. Repeat violations or unredeemed animals can escalate to misdemeanor charges or forfeiture of the animal under HMC 1.20 general penalty. Dogs that bite or are deemed dangerous are subject to additional proceedings under California Food & Ag Code section 31601 et seq.

Exotic Pets

California law (CCR Title 14 §671) prohibits keeping many exotic animals including ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, piranhas, and certain reptiles. Additionally, Hanford Municipal Code §6.08.070 prohibits keeping swine, roosters, peafowl, ostriches, ratitae birds, and livestock within city limits.

Key details: Locally Prohibited: Swine, roosters, peafowl, ostriches, ratitae birds, and livestock per §6.08.070. State Prohibited: Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, piranhas, and many others per CCR §671. Enforcement: Hanford Animal Control; CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Code: Hanford Municipal Code §6.08.070–§6.08.080; CA CCR Title 14 §671.

Code enforcement citation; nuisance abatement; possible criminal charges under state law.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Hanford actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is PROHIBITED within Hanford city limits. Hanford Municipal Code §6.08.070 makes the keeping of bees within the city unlawful, and §6.08.080 designates bees as a public nuisance subject to abatement.

Key details: Status: PROHIBITED — keeping bees is unlawful within Hanford city limits. Public Nuisance: Bees declared a public nuisance under HMC §6.08.080. Enforcement: Nuisance abatement; civil/criminal penalties. Code: Hanford Municipal Code §6.08.070 (unlawful keeping); §6.08.080 (public nuisance).

Nuisance abatement order; civil/criminal penalties for keeping bees within city limits.

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

The Bottom Line

Hanford is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Hanford, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Hanford's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.