Animal Ordinances in Rialto, CA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Rialto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Backyard fowl and small livestock are governed by Rialto Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals) and the Title 18 zoning chapter. Most R-1 single-family lots in this Inland Empire freight hub allow a small number of hens for personal use, but roosters, swine and large hoofed stock are restricted to A-1/R-A agricultural zones, with setbacks from neighboring dwellings under Ch. 18.06.
Chickens & Livestock in Rialto
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Rialto Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals) requires dogs to be restrained on a leash when off the owner's property and prohibits any dog from running at large in the city. Owners are strictly liable for control of the animal in public rights-of-way, parks, and on other private property.
Dog Leash & Running-at-Large Rules (Rialto Title 6)
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 preempts breed-specific dog bans, but expressly authorizes breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter and breeding regulation. Rialto does not ban any breed; dangerous and vicious dogs are regulated by behavior under Title 6 and Cal. F&A Code §31601 et seq., and viciousness hearings follow state procedure.
Breed-Specific Restrictions & Mandatory Spay/Neuter (Rialto / State Preemption)
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
Hobby beekeeping is generally permitted on appropriately zoned Rialto lots under Title 6/Title 18, but every apiary in California must register annually with the San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner under Cal. Food & Agricultural Code § 29040, and hives must be located, watered and screened so foraging bees do not become a nuisance to neighbors.
Beekeeping in Rialto
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Exotic and restricted species are primarily controlled by California state law, not local Rialto ordinance. Cal. Fish & Game Code § 2118 and 14 CCR § 671 prohibit private possession of most non-domesticated species (big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders) without a CDFW restricted-species permit. Rialto Title 6 reinforces this by prohibiting wild / dangerous animals as a public nuisance.
Exotic Pets in Rialto
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Rialto has no standalone municipal ordinance banning wildlife feeding, but feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons and other wild mammals is regulated statewide under California Fish & Game Code § 251.1 (harassment) and 14 CCR § 251.3, which prohibits intentionally feeding big game mammals. Attracting wildlife that becomes a public nuisance is independently abatable under Rialto Municipal Code Title 6 / Title 8 (Health & Sanitation).
Wildlife Feeding in Rialto
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Rialto does not have a standalone animal-hoarding chapter; cases are charged under California Penal Code § 597 (animal cruelty) and § 597f (failure to care), combined with Rialto Municipal Code Title 6 (excess animals/public nuisance) and Title 8 (Health & Sanitation). Convicted hoarders are barred from owning animals for 5 years (misdemeanor) or 10 years (felony) under Cal. Penal Code § 597.9.
Animal Hoarding in Rialto
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rialto city rules.
Animal Ordinances in San Bernardino County →