Animal Ordinances in Downey, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Downey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Downey allows chickens, rabbits and pigeons in any combination up to five per lot under Municipal Code Section 9514.02(a), with roosters banned outright in every zone. Keeping more birds, up to 100 Racing or Homing Sport Pigeons, requires a Conditional Use Permit and is limited to R-1 single-family lots, with strict loft setbacks from neighboring homes, schools and hospitals.
Downey Backyard Chicken and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsDowney, CA, Municipal Code § 9514.02 (Chickens, Rabbits, Pigeons, and the Like)
(a) Chickens, rabbits, pigeons, and the like shall not exceed five on a lot in any combination thereof, except that, up to a maximum of 100 Racing/Homing Sport Pigeons shall be permitted in R-1 Zones subject to a Conditional Use Permit approval as required by Section 9824 of the Municipal Code. Roosters are strictly prohibited. (b) The housing of pigeons is subject to the following standards: (...
Dog Leash Laws
Downey Municipal Code Section 4230 requires every dog off its owner's property to be on a leash no longer than six feet, held continuously by a competent person, or confined inside a vehicle. Exceptions cover police dogs, permitted activities, and City-designated dog parks. Loose dogs are impounded under Section 4237.
Downey Dog Leash and At-Large Law
Some RestrictionsDowney, CA, Municipal Code § 4230
No person owning, having an interest in, harboring, or having charge, care, control, custody or possession of any dog shall cause or permit such dog to be off the premises of its owner, unless such dog is securely confined by a strong leash not exceeding six feet in total length, securely and continuously held by a competent person owning, having an interest in, harboring or having charge, care...
Breed Restrictions
Downey Municipal Code Section 4235 defines any dog with a proven disposition to attack or bite without provocation as a "wild or vicious animal" and bars keeping such an animal, or specified wild species, off the owner's enclosed premises. A documented two-bite history is automatic proof of dangerousness, and Animal Control can order strict confinement or destroy the animal for non-compliance.
Downey Dangerous and Vicious Dog Rules
Heavy RestrictionsDowney, CA, Municipal Code § 4235
No person owning or having charge, custody, control or possession of any animal or reptile known by such person to be vicious or dangerous, or commonly so known, or owning or having charge, custody, control or possession of any elephant, bear, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, lion, tiger, leopard, wolf, monkey, ape, chimpanzee, bobcat, lynx, wildcat, puma, cheetah, or any animal commonly referred to a...
Exotic Pets
Exotic pet ownership in Downey is primarily governed by California state law (Title 14, Section 671). Most exotic animals including ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys, and large reptiles are prohibited statewide. Downey's municipal code reinforces state restrictions.
Downey Exotic Pet Regulations
Heavy Restrictions14 CCR Section 671(c) - Restricted Species Permits
Restricted Species Permits are required for every person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in Section 671(c), Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). Animal Care (Detrimental Species) - $652.25: Issued to any resident who has demonstrated the experience and ability to house animals designated as a detrimental species, and who legally pos...
Wildlife Feeding
Downey Municipal Code Chapter 12 makes it unlawful to purposely feed coyotes, foxes, skunks, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, ducks, geese, crows, feral cats or gulls anywhere in the city, public or private. Leaving pet food, garbage or seed where it will likely attract wildlife is also banned, and Code Enforcement can order attractants removed.
Downey Wildlife Feeding Ban
Significant RestrictionsDowney, CA, Municipal Code § 4982
(a) No person shall purposely or knowingly feed wildlife in the City of Downey, on lands either publicly or privately owned. (b) No person shall leave or store any refuse, garbage, pet food, seed or bird seed, fruit, meat, dairy, vegetable, grain or other food in a negligent manner likely to feed wildlife. (c) No person shall fail to take remedial action to cease contact or conflict with wildli...
Cat Rules
Downey does not require cat owners to license their cats. Municipal Code Section 4271 offers only an optional identification license, while Section 4245 sets the minimum shelter hold, at least 10 days for an identified cat and five for one with no tag, before Animal Control can dispose of an unclaimed animal.
Downey Cat Licensing and Impound Rules
Light RestrictionsDowney, CA, Municipal Code § 4271
In order to provide a method for identifying cats, a license may be obtained as prescribed in Part 4. This section shall not require the licensing of cats, but merely provide for their optional licensing.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Downey bars veterinary hospitals from most commercial zones outright and requires a Conditional Use Permit in the ones where they are allowed at all. Only the C-M commercial-manufacturing zone permits a veterinary hospital by right; C-2, C-3 and H-M need discretionary approval, and C-P and C-1 forbid it entirely.
Downey Veterinary Hospital Zoning Rules
Significant RestrictionsDowney, CA, Municipal Code § 9314.04, Table 9.3.5 (Commercial Zones Use Regulations)
Table 9.3.5. Commercial Zones Use Regulations (P = Permitted NP = Not Permitted C = Conditional Use Permit) Use C-P C-1 C-2 C-3 C-M H-M Notes and Exceptions ... hospitals/veterinary NP NP C C P C
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