Animal Ordinances in Bellflower, CA (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Bellflower, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Chickens are not a by-right use in Bellflower's standard single-family (SF) residential zone, which permits only cats and dogs. Roosters are prohibited citywide. Poultry is allowed by-right only in the A-E Agricultural Estate zone, or in residential zones with an Animal Permit under Chapter 17.120.
Bellflower Chickens & Backyard Poultry
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
The City of Bellflower requires dogs off the owner's premises to be restrained by a strong leash no longer than six feet, held by a competent person, or confined within an enclosed vehicle. Police K-9s and city-established off-leash dog parks are exempt.
Bellflower Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Bellflower's municipal code does not impose breed-specific bans. Dangerous-dog rules in Chapter 6.04 are behavior-based: a dog with a propensity to attack or bite without provocation is deemed vicious, and two or more bite incidents are prima facie evidence of viciousness. California state law also prohibits truly breed-specific bans.
Bellflower Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Bellflower permits beekeeping of Apis Mellifera (Western honey bee) on lots developed with one single-family dwelling, under Chapter 17.16. Hives must be screened by six-foot landscaping or solid fencing, a water source provided, hives actively managed, and the queen replaced at least every two years to prevent swarming.
Bellflower Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Bellflower Municipal Code Chapter 6.04 names a list of prohibited wild species (lions, tigers, bears, wolves, primates, large cats, poisonous reptiles, and others) that may not be at large off the keeper's enclosed premises, and bars keeping any wild or vicious animal, reptile, or serpent without a permit from the Director. California Fish and Game Code also restricts most exotic species.
Bellflower Exotic & Wild Animal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
No standalone Bellflower ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wildlife was located in the city's published code. The City does maintain a Coyote Management Plan that discourages intentional and unintentional feeding, and county/state guidance treats feeding that habituates predators as a public-safety problem.
Bellflower Wildlife Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Livestock such as horses, cattle, sheep, and goats are not allowed in Bellflower's standard residential zones, which permit only cats and dogs. Livestock keeping is by-right only in the A-E Agricultural Estate Zone (Chapter 17.20), on lots of at least 10,000 square feet with per-area animal-unit limits.
Bellflower Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Bellflower does not have a standalone hoarding statute, but its three-dog/three-cat per-dwelling limit (Chapter 17.16) and Chapter 6.04 animal-care, nuisance, and impound provisions are the practical tools used against excessive animal accumulation. California Penal Code Section 597 anti-cruelty law applies to neglect from overcrowding.
Bellflower Animal Hoarding Rules
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Bellflower's zoning code (Chapter 17.16) limits each dwelling unit in the SF single-family zone to no more than three cats and three dogs over four months of age, kept for personal use. Other animals require an Animal Permit (Chapter 17.120) or the agricultural A-E zone.
Bellflower Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Bellflower allows up to three cats over four months of age per dwelling unit in the single-family zone (Chapter 17.16). There is no leash requirement for cats. California state law does not require cat licensing, and Bellflower's licensing program centers on dogs.
Bellflower Cat Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellflower city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Los Angeles County →