Animal Ordinances in El Monte, CA (2026)
8 verified animal ordinances for El Monte, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
El Monte contracts animal-control enforcement to LA County Department of Animal Care & Control, so LA County Code Title 10 governs poultry and livestock. Roosters are tightly capped, and any keeping of livestock requires the land to be zoned for it.
El Monte Chicken & Livestock Keeping (LA County Code Title 10 by Contract)
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
El Monte adopts Los Angeles County Title 10 by reference (EMMC Ch. 6.04). Dogs must be restrained on a substantial leash not exceeding six feet whenever on public property or the common areas of private property.
Dogs Must Be on a 6-Foot Leash in Public
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
El Monte has no breed-specific ban. California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 preempts breed-specific dangerous-dog laws, but El Monte (via LA County Code §10.20.350) requires every dog and cat four months or older to be spayed/neutered unless the owner holds an unaltered-animal license.
No Breed Bans — Mandatory Spay/Neuter for All Dogs and Cats
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
California requires every apiary owner to register annually with the County Agricultural Commissioner under Food & Ag Code §29040, and LA County Code Chapter 10.76 adds hive-identification and signage rules. El Monte itself does not separately license hobbyist hives.
El Monte Beekeeping — State Registration + LA County Apiary Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Because El Monte enforces LA County animal regulations by contract, any 'wild animal' — defined broadly to include non-domestic, exotic, or dangerous animals — requires a license from LA County Animal Care & Control before being kept.
Exotic Pets in El Monte — LA County License Required
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
El Monte explicitly discourages feeding wildlife or strays, and LA County Code Chapter 10.84 (applied in El Monte by contract) prohibits providing food to certain rodents and predator animals. California Fish & Game law adds restrictions on trapping or relocating wildlife without a state permit.
El Monte Wildlife Feeding — Prohibited Under LA County Ch. 10.84
Some RestrictionsLivestock
El Monte Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals) restricts livestock in urban residential zones. Animal control is contracted to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control. Title 17 zoning generally limits agricultural uses including the keeping of horses, cattle, swine, and goats to specific zones with minimum lot sizes.
El Monte Livestock & Farm Animal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
El Monte has no separate hoarding-specific ordinance, but animal hoarding is prosecuted under California Penal Code §597 (animal cruelty/neglect) when the number of animals compromises their health or safety. LA County Animal Care & Control handles enforcement.
Animal Hoarding in El Monte — California Penal Code §597
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement El Monte city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Los Angeles County →