Ridgecrest's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Ridgecrest, California, there are 3 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

Ridgecrest Municipal Code Chapter 3 (Animals), Section 3-4 ('Leash law') makes it unlawful to keep or maintain any dog in any place in the city except fastened securely by a chain, rope, harness, or leash, or confined securely within private property legally controlled by the person in possession. Under Sec. 3-3, the animal control officer must impound any dog (and any animal except cats) found at large on any street, sidewalk, lane, alley, or public or unoccupied place, unless securely chained, roped, or leashed. Violations are infractions under Sec. 3-2. State law overlay: Cal. Food & Agricultural Code section 30951 requires all dogs over four months old to wear an identifying collar tag or license tag.

Key details: Primary Code: RMC Sec. 3-4. At-Large Impound: RMC Sec. 3-3. Restraint Required: Chain, rope, harness, leash, or secure confinement. Max Leash Length: Not specified in code. Penalty: Infraction (RMC Sec. 3-2).

Violation of RMC Chapter 3 is an infraction under RMC Sec. 3-2. A dog found off its owner's property without a chain, rope, harness, or leash (or not securely confined on private property) may be impounded by the animal control officer under RMC Sec. 3-3, and the owner must pay impound, boarding, and license/vaccination fees before redemption. Citations may be issued by the animal control officer or by the chief of police and deputies under RMC Sec. 3-12. Rescuing or attempting to rescue an animal from the animal control officer is a misdemeanor under RMC Sec. 3-10. Dogs that bite or are deemed dangerous are also subject to California Food & Agricultural Code section 31601 et seq.

Exotic Pets

Exotic pets in Ridgecrest are regulated by California state law (CA Code of Regulations §671). Ferrets, hedgehogs, and many wild animals are illegal to own in California.

Key details: Ferrets: Illegal to own in California — CA Code Regs §671. Hedgehogs: Illegal in California. Most reptiles: Legal without a state permit. Wild/native animals: Cannot be kept as pets — CDFW regulations.

Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $500 to $5,000. Criminal charges possible for dangerous species. Owner liable for damages from escaped animals.

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

Beekeeping

Beekeeping in Ridgecrest is subject to RMC animal provisions. Beekeepers must comply with California Department of Food and Agriculture hive registration requirements.

Key details: Local regulation: Subject to RMC zoning and nuisance provisions. State registration: CDFA hive registration required. Swarm prevention: Hives must be managed to prevent swarms. Water access: Provide on-site water to prevent bees foraging elsewhere.

Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: mediation then fines. Swarm incidents: emergency removal.

The Bottom Line

Ridgecrest'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 Ridgecrest is broadly strict or permissive.

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