10 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Madera County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Madera County is heavily agricultural, and keeping chickens and small livestock is broadly allowed in rural and agricultural zones. The County's zoning code addresses "small livestock farming" (18.04.490) and agricultural zone districts (Ch. 18.53). What you can keep, and how many, depends on your parcel's zoning rather than a single countywide chicken limit.
In unincorporated Madera County, dogs must be under control at all times. Madera County Animal Services states a dog must be confined to the owner's property, and when taken off the property (such as on a walk) it must be on a leash. Dogs found running at large can be impounded or returned with a citation.
Madera County Animal Services does not publish any breed-specific ban or breed-restriction ordinance for unincorporated areas. Aggressive-dog complaints are handled case by case based on a dog's behavior, not its breed. California state law (Food and Agricultural Code) also prohibits cities and counties from declaring a dog dangerous based solely on breed.
Madera County does not publish a dedicated backyard-beekeeping ordinance for unincorporated areas; placement is tied to the parcel's agricultural/rural zoning. Statewide, California's Food and Agricultural Code requires every apiary owner to register colonies and apiary locations annually with the county agricultural commissioner.
Madera County's published animal rules focus on common domestic animals and livestock; the binding restrictions on exotic and wild animals come from California state law. California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 671 (administered by CDFW) lists "restricted species" that may not be kept without a permit, and many—including ferrets—are effectively prohibited as pets.
Madera County Animal Services materials do not publish a specific wildlife-feeding ban for unincorporated areas. In Madera's foothills and Sierra communities, intentionally feeding wildlife such as bears, coyotes, and deer is discouraged and is regulated under California state law, which prohibits feeding big game and certain predators.
Madera County Code Chapter 6.04 includes an Article on Livestock at Large, with Section 6.04.170 addressing restraint of errant livestock, and Chapter 6.24 governs Grazing Area. Owners are responsible for keeping cattle, horses, and other livestock from straying. Bite or injury incidents involving livestock trigger a 14-day quarantine.
Madera County Animal Services investigates animal cruelty and neglect; warning signs include caged animals with little room, lack of weather protection, and overly tight collars. Hoarding-type neglect is prosecuted under California Penal Code Section 597, and officers can seize animals in immediate danger under Penal Code 597.1.
Madera County does not advertise a simple per-household pet cap, but its zoning code defines a "kennel" (Section 18.04.288), and Animal Services issues kennel permits. Keeping enough dogs to meet the County's kennel definition requires meeting kennel-permit requirements rather than relying on a flat household limit.
Madera County has no leash law for cats. Animal Services describes cats as "free-roaming agents" rather than strays, and asks that loose cats not be called in as strays or brought to the shelter unless they are sick or injured and need immediate care. The County runs spay/neuter programs for community cats.
1 cities in Madera County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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