Animal Ordinances in Merced, CA (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Merced, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.080 limits any residential lot to no more than two livestock or poultry total, bans keeping fowl or livestock for slaughter or product, and prohibits hog pens. A few legacy annexed agricultural areas (Sec. 6.04.081) keep broader rights, including up to two roosters per parcel.
Merced Chickens & Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Under Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.070, no one may let a dog stray from their property unless it is restrained by a leash no longer than eight feet. Narrow exceptions cover law-enforcement, search-and-rescue, sanctioned training/competition, livestock herding, hunting in restricted shooting districts, and the fenced city dog park.
Merced Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
The City of Merced has no breed-specific ban. Its dangerous/vicious dog rules (Sec. 6.04.290) regulate dogs by behavior, not breed, consistent with California Food & Agricultural Code Section 31683, which bars local dangerous-dog programs from being breed-specific (except spay/neuter ordinances).
Merced Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
The City of Merced effectively prohibits hobby beekeeping. Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.080F bars keeping or maintaining bees within the city except for governmental educational purposes. A few legacy annexed areas (Sec. 6.04.081) may allow apiaries. Any lawful California apiary must also register with the County Agricultural Commissioner.
Merced Beekeeping Rules
Heavy RestrictionsExotic Pets
Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.270 requires an annual wild-animal permit and proper zoning to keep a 'wild animal,' which Section 6.04.010AC defines to include large snakes over 8 feet, big cats, primates, bears, and venomous species. California Fish & Game Code Section 2118 separately bans many exotics statewide.
Merced Exotic Pet Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
The City of Merced's animal code (Chapter 6.04) contains no specific ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wild animals. The closest local controls are the general animal-nuisance and sanitation rules (Sec. 6.04.280, 6.04.040). California state law (Fish & Game Code 2118) still restricts possessing wild animals.
Merced Wildlife Feeding Rules
Few RestrictionsLivestock
Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.080 caps any residential lot at no more than two livestock or poultry, bans hog pens, prohibits horses and cows within a defined downtown district, and bars keeping livestock for slaughter or product. Legacy annexed agricultural areas under Section 6.04.081 allow more on qualifying acreage.
Merced Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Merced has no ordinance using the word 'hoarding,' but it controls excessive animals through lot-size pet limits (Sec. 6.04.065), kennel/cattery permits (Sec. 6.04.270), the animal-nuisance abatement process (Sec. 6.04.280), and the proper-care duty (Sec. 6.04.100). California Penal Code 597 covers neglect/cruelty.
Merced Animal Hoarding Rules
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.065 sets the maximum number of dogs and cats by lot size: up to five each on lots 6,000 sq ft or larger, scaling down to one dog and one cat on lots under 3,000 sq ft. Multifamily dwellings are capped at one cat and one dog. Over five requires a kennel/cattery permit.
Merced Pet Limit Rules
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Merced Municipal Code Section 6.04.065 limits cats by lot size (up to five on large single-family lots, one on multifamily units). Like dogs, a cat 'at large' is one off the owner's premises and not under physical restraint (Sec. 6.04.010E). More than five cats makes the home a 'cattery' needing a permit.
Merced Cat Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Merced County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Merced city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Merced County →