Reedley's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Reedley, 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.

Breed Restrictions

No breed bans in Reedley -- California law prohibits breed-specific restrictions statewide. Dogs are classified as vicious based on behavior only. Max 5 dogs or 6 total pets per household.

Key details: Breed Bans: Prohibited by CA state law. Vicious Standard: Behavior-based, not breed-based. Dog Limit: 5 dogs over 4 months per household. Total Pets: Max 6 combined dogs and cats.

Owners of vicious animals face requirements for secure enclosure and muzzling. Failure to comply can result in animal impoundment. Administrative hearing decisions may require the animal to be destroyed in extreme cases. Dog limit violations carry citation fines.

Reedley is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Beekeeping

Reedley has no city-specific beekeeping ordinance. California state law governs, requiring annual apiary registration with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner.

Key details: City-Specific Ordinance: None - state law applies. State Registration: Required with Fresno Co. Ag Commissioner. Nuisance Enforcement: Title 4, Ch. 2 nuisance provisions. Contact: Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner.

If beekeeping activity creates a public nuisance, Reedley can pursue abatement under Title 4, Chapter 2. Failure to register apiaries with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner can result in state penalties. Nuisance complaints may lead to orders requiring removal of hives.

Livestock

Reedley defines farm animals in Section 5-3-1 and permits them generally in agricultural zones. Livestock is restricted in residential zones and prohibited from running at large.

Key details: Code Section: Title 5, Ch. 3, Sec. 5-3-1. Farm Animal Definition: Chickens, goats, pigs, cows, horses, sheep, ducks, geese. Agricultural Zones: Generally permitted. Residential Zones: Restricted or prohibited.

Livestock running at large within city limits is subject to impoundment by animal control under Section 5-3-6. Keeping farm animals in zones where they are not permitted can result in code enforcement action and orders to remove the animals. Nuisance violations under Title 4 carry administrative citations with escalating fines. Failure to abate may result in the city performing the abatement at the owner's expense.

Chickens & Livestock

RMC 5-3-23 restricts farm animals by zone. Chickens, goats, cows, and fowl are allowed in agricultural zones but may be prohibited in some residential areas. Noise rules apply.

Key details: Code: RMC 5-3-23 -- farm animal zones. Farm Animal: Chickens, goats, pigs, cows, horses, fowl. Noise: RMC 5-3-10 -- excessive noise prohibited. Sanitation: Enclosures must be maintained clean.

Keeping farm animals in prohibited zones carries administrative citation fines. Nuisance violations for unsanitary conditions, odor, or excessive noise from animals result in fines starting at $100 and escalating. Animals may be impounded by the animal control officer.

Dog Leash Laws

Reedley requires dogs to be under immediate control at all times per Title 5, Chapter 3. Dogs at large may be impounded, and restraint must use a leash of eight feet or less.

Key details: Code Section: Title 5, Ch. 3 (Secs. 5-3-1, 5-3-6). Max Leash Length: 8 feet. Park Ban: No dogs at Camacho or Sports Park. License Required: Dogs over 4 months old.

Dogs found at large are subject to impoundment by animal control. Owners must pay impound fees, daily boarding charges, and licensing fees to redeem their animal. Under California Government Code Section 36900, violations of municipal ordinances may be prosecuted as infractions with fines up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense within one year, and $500 for subsequent offenses. Repeated violations may be charged as misdemeanors with fines up to $1,000 and/or six months in county jail.

Wildlife Feeding

Reedley has no standalone wildlife feeding ban, but nuisance provisions under Title 4, Chapter 2 apply when feeding attracts rodents or creates unsanitary conditions on any property.

Key details: Specific Wildlife Feeding Ban: None in city code. Nuisance Enforcement: Title 4, Ch. 2, Sec. 4-2-3. Pest Attraction: Prohibited as public nuisance. State Guidance: CDFW discourages wildlife feeding.

If wildlife feeding creates conditions constituting a public nuisance under Section 4-2-3, the city may issue orders to abate the nuisance. Failure to comply can result in the city performing the abatement and charging costs to the property owner. Administrative citations may be issued with fines starting at $100 for a first violation and escalating for repeat offenses.

Exotic Pets

California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 671 prohibits private possession of most exotic animals statewide, including in Reedley. Permits are not issued for private pet ownership.

Key details: Governing Law: CA Code of Regulations Title 14, Sec. 671. Private Pet Permits: Generally not issued. Ferrets/Hedgehogs: Illegal statewide. Vicious Animal Authority: Reedley Code Sec. 5-3-1.

Possession of a restricted species without a permit is a misdemeanor under California Fish and Game Code, punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. Confiscation of the animal is standard. Under Reedley code, vicious animals may be impounded and destroyed if they pose a public safety risk. Repeat violations carry escalating penalties.

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

The Bottom Line

Reedley'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 Reedley is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Reedley 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.