Animal Ordinances in Sonora, CA (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Sonora, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Tuolumne County Code Chapter 6.04 requires dogs to be leashed (maximum 6 feet) when off the owner's property. All dogs must be licensed within 30 days of turning 4 months. The county Animal Control office is located at 10040 Victoria Way in Jamestown.
Sonora Dog Leash and Licensing Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Neither Sonora nor Tuolumne County impose breed-specific legislation. No dog breeds are banned. Individual dogs of any breed may be declared vicious or dangerous under Chapter 6.04 based on behavior, not breed.
Sonora Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsCal. Food & Agric. Code § 31683 (Local Dog Control - Breed-Specific Regulation Prohibited)
31683. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a city or county from adopting or enforcing its own program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs that may incorporate all, part, or none of this chapter, or that may punish a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except ...
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is not specifically regulated by the City of Sonora with a standalone ordinance. Beekeeping is generally allowed subject to general nuisance provisions. Commercial beekeepers may need to register with the Tuolumne County Agricultural Commissioner.
Sonora Beekeeping Regulations
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Exotic pets in Sonora are governed by California Code of Regulations section 671 and Tuolumne County Chapter 6.04. Ferrets and hedgehogs are illegal statewide. The county defines exotic animals as wild animals not customarily confined for domestic use.
Sonora Exotic Pet Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsCDFW Restricted Species - 14 CCR § 671 (Restricted Animals Requiring Permit)
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) (PDF) . Entitlements Fee Description Restricted Species Permit Application/Amendment New: $155.53 Renewal and Amendment: $80.60 Required for every new permit, permit renewal or amendment of a...
Wildlife Feeding
Sonora discourages feeding wildlife, particularly bears and deer, which are common in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Intentional feeding of wildlife that creates a public nuisance or attracts dangerous animals may result in code enforcement action and coordination with California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Sonora Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Sonora and Tuolumne County address animal hoarding through public nuisance and animal cruelty provisions. Keeping excessive numbers of animals in unsanitary conditions may result in animal control intervention, seizure of animals, and criminal charges under California Penal Code.
Sonora Animal Hoarding Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Tuolumne County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sonora city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Tuolumne County →