D. Effective January 1, 2026 the City will not issue kennel permits to locations that have not previously been issued a kennel permit within the prior three years. This prohibition on new kennel permits shall not apply to kennel permits for commercially operated kennels established after this date in a land use zone that allows such usage under the City Zoning Ordinance and the kennel has complied with all other applicable zoning requirements.
6.12.020 Excessive noise.
A. It is unlawful and declared to be a public nuisance for the owner of a dog or other animal to allow it to make loud or disturbing noises without provocation, including, but not limited to, excessive barking, howling, whining, or making any other noise that reasonably disturbs the comfort, quiet, or use of neighboring property, provided that the owner of the animal has been made aware of the disturbance.
B. Violations of this ordinance shall be enforced as follows:
1. The designated animal control officer or other city official or employee, referred to herein as "enforcement officer" may issue a criminal infraction, administrative citation or administrative enforcement order pursuant to the municipal code, or commence any other type of injunctive relief authorized by law if the enforcement officer has determined that a violation of this ordinance has occurred after an investigation. The owner of the animal may appeal any violation by any means permitted by applicable law, such as requesting an administrative appeal hearing if the enforcement officer issued an administrative citation.
2. The following rules shall apply to complaints of excessive noise by animals:
a. Evidence of a violation includes, but is not limited to, personal observations of the enforcement officer, statements of witnesses, recordings of the noise, and admissions by the owner of the animal. b. The enforcement officer has the discretion to issue a warning in instances where the enforcement officer has determined that a violation is unlikely to occur again, or the owner of the animal has agreed to take steps to mitigate future incidents of loud or excessive noise.
c. Animal Services may suspend the applicable penalty for violation when the owner of the animal, in a written agreement of the city, takes steps to mitigate violations and the owner agrees to prevent additional complaints for specified periods. Any suspension of a penalty shall be in writing and the penalty shall be reinstated if the mitigation steps are not successful.
6.12.030 License required.
Every owner of a dog or cat within the incorporated area of the city, shall secure a license from the Poundmaster, or their designated agent, for each such dog or cat over four months of age within the time limits set forth in this chapter. It is unlawful for any owner to fail to secure said license in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
6.12.040 Licensing exceptions.
The provisions of this chapter requiring the licensing of dogs and cats shall not apply to the following:
A. A license need not be secured for a dog or cat which is temporarily brought into the incorporated area of the city by a nonresident. If the dog or cat remains in the city for a period longer than thirty (30) days, it must wear a current license tag from its' place of residence;
B. Dogs or cats brought into the incorporated area of the city exclusively for the purpose of entering the animal in any show or exhibition, and which are actually entered in and kept at such show or exhibition; C. Dogs or cats on sale in duly licensed pet shops, or commercial animal establishments; D. Dogs or cats under the ownership, custody, or control of the owner of a commercial animal establishment duly licensed under the provisions of Chapter 6.28, or his duly authorized employee or agent when such dogs or October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
cats are removed from the premises for any reason, shall wear an identification tag attached to their collar, which shall bear the name and address of the licensed operation. A dog or cat bearing such identification shall be treated in all respects as any other dog or cat in the event of its escape and subsequent impoundment.
6.12.050 Issuance of license and tag.
A. Application for a license required by this chapter shall be filed with the Poundmaster, or their designated agent on a form prescribed by the Poundmaster. Upon payment of the required fee and upon compliance with the other requirements of this chapter, the Poundmaster shall issue a license. The license form shall contain a brief description of the dog or cat including the name, age, sex, color and breed of the dog or cat, and if the animal is altered or unaltered, and the name and address of the owner. The license shall contain a serial number, the expiration date of the license and such other information as the Poundmaster may determine. The poundmaster shall keep a copy of the license form on file in their office and the license form shall be open to public inspection.
With each license issued, the Poundmaster shall also issue a tag made of some durable material. Said tag shall bear the words "City of Exeter," serial number of the license, and such other information as the poundmaster may determine. Tags issued for animals exempted from vaccination under Section 6.12.120 shall bear a distinguishing mark.
B. Any person procuring an animal license without a valid rabies vaccination for reason of redeeming an impounded animal or to clear a citation shall make payment to the Poundmaster of those fees provided in this chapter, as adopted from time to time by resolution of the city council. A rabies vaccination must be obtained for the animal and proof of such vaccination shall be sent to the Poundmaster within thirty (30) days of the purchase of the license before the license tag is issued. If rabies vaccination has not been completed within this period of time, a delinquent penalty shall be paid to the Poundmaster before the license tag is issued and the animal may be subject to impoundment by the Poundmaster until proof of rabies vaccination is provided to the Poundmaster.
6.12.060 Licenses--Original license--Time limits.
A. An owner of a dog or cat shall secure a license for their dog or cat within thirty (30) days after they acquire ownership of the dog or cat. However, if a dog or cat is less than four months of age when the owner acquires it, the owner shall secure a license for the dog or cat within thirty (30) days after the animal reaches four months of age.
B. Any person who enters the city intending to reside in the city beyond a period of thirty (30) days, and who has brought a dog or cat with them from outside the city, shall secure a license for the dog or cat within thirty (30) days after the person first enters the city.
6.12.070 Vaccination requirement for licenser.
A. It is unlawful for any person owning, harboring, or having the care, custody or possession of any dog or cat over the age of four (4) months to keep or maintain such animal in any place in the city, or except as provided in by state or local law, unless such dog or cat has been vaccinated as provided herein.
B. The Poundmaster shall not issue a license for a dog or cat unless the owner of the dog or cat presents for filing a certificate signed by a veterinarian showing that said dog or cat has been vaccinated against rabies which indicates that the period of time elapsing from the date of the vaccination to the date of expiration of the license does not exceed thirty-six (36) months. Animals will be considered to be properly vaccinated for the purposes of Section 121690, California Health and Safety Code, when injected at three months of age or older with a rabies vaccine approved by the California Department of Health. Animals over one year of age that have had a previous vaccine, may be vaccinated for thirty-six (36) months.
C. The vaccination shall be performed by a duly licensed veterinarian, and after vaccinating any dog or cat owned by a resident of Exeter, shall sign a certificate in triplicate containing the following information:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
1. The type of vaccination used;
2. The date of the vaccination;
3. The breed, age, color and sex of the vaccinated dog or cat;
4. The manufacturer and serial number of the vaccine used;
5. The name and address of the owner of the dog or cat;
6. Name of the animal;
7. If spayed or neutered and the date.
D. The veterinarian shall immediately present two copies of the original vaccination certificate, containing two copies, to the owner of the dog or cat, and shall deliver within thirty (30) days, the third copy to the Poundmaster.
6.12.080 Term of license.
Dog and cat licenses shall be issued on each succeeding anniversary date of the original license. A license shall expire one year from the date of issue, except when the performance of the rabies vaccination expires prior to that date. A new license anniversary date will begin upon renewal of the rabies vaccination.
6.12.090 License fees--Dogs or cats.
The Poundmaster shall collect a fee for dog and cat licensing.
A. This subsection applies only to dogs or cats which have not been spayed or neutered.
1. The annual license fee for each dog or cat so described in subsection (A) of this section shall be set by resolution of the city council on an annual basis in an amount to be recommended by the Poundmaster.
2. The owner of an unaltered dog or cat will have the option of paying the altered license fee if they place a deposit for the estimated cost of spaying or neutering with the Poundmaster at the time they obtain a license. This deposit shall be forfeited if the operation is not performed within thirty (30) days, unless an extension of time is granted by the Poundmaster.
B. This subsection applies only to dogs or cats which have been spayed or neutered, or which are unable to bear or produce offspring for physical or medical reasons.
1. A certificate from a licensed veterinarian that the dog or cat comes within one of the provisions in subsection (B) of this section shall accompany the license form along with the fees set forth in this section.
2. The annual license fee for each dog or cat so described in subsection (B) of this section shall be set by resolution of the city council on an annual basis in an amount to be recommended by the Poundmaster.
6.12.100 License fee exemption.
A. Any other provision of this chapter notwithstanding, no charge shall be made for licenses issued for the following:
1. Dogs trained to aide blind, deaf or disabled;
2. Dogs used by any governmental agency for the purpose of law enforcement;
3. All dogs raised and/or trained for the above purposes.
B. Proof of such use or training shall be provided by the applicant at the time of license application in a form satisfactory to the Poundmaster.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
6.12.110 Delinquent penalties.
In addition to any fees described in this chapter, the Poundmaster shall collect a delinquent penalty in an amount set by resolution of the city council on an annual basis to be recommended by the Poundmaster, under the following circumstances:
A. A license is not renewed within thirty (30) days of the expiration date; B. Puppies or kittens are not licensed within thirty (30) days after reaching four months of age; C. Any dog or cat brought into this city, except those temporarily located in the city as described in Section
6.12.040, which is not licensed within thirty (30) days; D. A person acquiring possession of a dog or cat over four months of age does not license it within thirty (30) days of taking possession.
6.12.120 Extension of time--Dogs or cats too ill to be vaccinated.
A. If a dog or cat is too ill to be vaccinated against rabies at the time that the time limits set forth in Sections
6.12.050 or 6.12.060 expire, then the date for securing the dog or cat license is extended until thirty (30) days after the date on which the animal is well enough to be vaccinated, and no delinquent penalties shall be charged for issuance of the animal license during said thirty (30) day period. However, an extension of time shall not be granted pursuant to this section unless the application for the license is accompanied by a certificate signed by a veterinarian setting forth facts which show that the dog or cat comes within the provisions of this section.
B. The Poundmaster shall not license any dog or cat if the owner presents a certificate from a licensed veterinarian, issued within the preceding sixty (60) days, stating that in their opinion, the rabies vaccination would be likely to seriously injure the dog or cat. Any dog or cat so excepted from rabies vaccination shall be restricted to the house or enclosed property of the owner or person in possession of the animal except when held under control or restraint by such person. Any violation thereof by the owner or person in possession of such dog or cat is unlawful.
6.12.130 Replacing lost or stolen tags.
Whenever a tag issued for the then current year has been stolen or lost, the owner of the animal for which the tag was issued may, upon the payment of a fee in an amount which shall be set by resolution of the city council, obtain a replacement tag for the animal. Fees for replacement tags shall be set on an annual basis upon recommended by the Poundmaster.
6.12.140 License transferable.
The license and tag issued pursuant to this chapter may be transferred when the ownership of the dog or cat is transferred. The new owner or the previous owner of the dog or cat shall notify the Poundmaster in writing of the change in ownership of the dog or cat, and the name and address of the new owner. If such written notice is not given, the Poundmaster shall send all required notices concerning said dog or cat to the person whose name and address are on file with the Poundmaster.
6.12.150 Affixing license tag.
A current license tag issued pursuant to this chapter shall be securely fastened to a collar or harness which must be worn at all times.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
6.12.160 Improper affixing of tags.
It is unlawful for any person to attach a license tag required by this chapter to the collar of any animal except the animal for which it was issued.
6.12.170 Removal of tag.
It is unlawful for any person to remove from a dog or cat, without authority from the owner, and except in cases of medical emergency involving that animal, any collar, harness, or other device to which is attached a license tag or to remove such tag therefrom.
6.12.180 Display of tag.
It is unlawful for any person to refuse to show the Poundmaster, any animal control officer, or any peace officer, on request, the license certificate and the tag for any dog or cat kept or remaining within their home or upon any enclosed premises under their immediate control.
6.12.190 Licensing and microchipping impounded animals.
A. The Poundmaster shall not release an unlicensed animal to its owner or sell an unlicensed animal to any person who resides in the city, unless the owner or purchaser, respectively, secures the required license, and pays any fees and penalties required. The Poundmaster shall not release an animal from the Animal Care Center that is not microchipped to its owner or transfer ownership of an animal to any person until a microchip has been implanted in the animal. The owner of the animal is solely responsible for all costs associated with microchip implantation.
B. The Poundmaster shall not release to the owner or purchaser any dog whose license has been revoked after a hearing pursuant to Section 6.16.010 to 6.16.090, except in those instances when the hearing officer has determined the bite, attack, or injury was the result of improper or negligent training, handling, or maintenance, and the owner of the dog is in compliance with the conditions required by the hearing officer.
6.12.200 Spay/neuter compliance for shelter animals.
A. A spay or neuter deposit will be required upon the purchase of any unaltered dog or cat from the City Animal Care Center pursuant to Food and Agriculture Code 30503. Said fee shall be deposited by City into a fund to provide low cost spay or neuter surgery of future shelter animals. The fee shall be refunded if the owner provides proof the animal was altered within thirty (30) business days from the date the animal is redeemed or adopted or as otherwise allowed below in subsection (B), otherwise the fee becomes non-refundable.
B. Any dog or cat, over four (4) months of age, that is redeemed or adopted from the City Animal Care Center shall be spayed or neutered prior to release from the facility. For animals less than four months old, they shall be required to be spayed or neutered within thirty (30) days of reaching four months of age. An extension of time to perform surgery may be granted by the Poundmaster if a veterinarian provides a medical determination that the surgery cannot be performed as scheduled and must be postponed.
CHAPTER 6.16. DANGEROUS OR VICIOUS ANIMALS
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
16 Sections:
6.16.010 Purpose.
6.16.020 Keeping dangerous/vicious animals prohibited.
6.16.030 Procedure to determine if an animal is dangerous/vicious and impound notice.
6.16.040 Conduct of hearing.
6.16.050 Hearing decision.
6.16.060 Disposition of a dangerous/vicious animal.
6.16.070 Finding of improper or negligent training, handling or maintenance.
6.16.080 Violations for maintaining a dangerous/vicious animal.
6.16.010 Purpose.
This chapter is adopted and enforced as a local program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs as authorized by California Food and Agriculture Code, Section 31683.
6.16.020 Keeping dangerous/vicious animals prohibited.
It is unlawful for a person to keep a dangerous/vicious animal as the term is defined in Section 6.04.010. Any animal which has been found to be dangerous or vicious pursuant to the ordinance code of the city, or of this county, or any other county or city pursuant to any state statute, shall be presumed to be dangerous or vicious.
6.16.030 Procedure to determine if an animal is dangerous/vicious and impound notice.
A. The animal control officer may determine an animal to be dangerous or vicious whenever the animal control officer has received evidence that the animal has attacked in an aggressive manner, bitten, or caused injury to any human or caused the death or serious injury of a domestic animal. Animal control officers shall consider the circumstances of the attack, bite, or injury, before determining whether an animal is dangerous or vicious. The investigating officer may determine that an animal is not dangerous or vicious if the animal was provoked prior to causing an injury or the circumstances indicate the animal was not acting in an aggressive manner when the injury occurred. If a person is injured or an animal is seriously injured or killed by an animal that was at large at the time of the incident the animal control officer may presume the animal that caused the injury is dangerous or vicious.
Upon such declaration, the animal control officer shall have the authority to impound the animal pursuant to Chapter 6.2412. If the owner or person responsible for the animal is known when it is impounded, then Animal Services shall provide the notice described in subsection (B) below either before or after the animal is impounded.
Notice may be sent by mail, personally delivered, or posted pursuant to Municipal Code section _________. For the terms of this section the term "Serious injury" includes but is not limited to any physical injury caused by an animal attack that results in any of the following: puncture wounds; broken bones; loss of blood; or lacerations.
B. If the owner of the animal declared to be dangerous or vicious pursuant to subsection (A) is not known when the animal is impounded but the animal is wearing a license tag or microchip, the animal control officer shall notify the licensed owner within two (2) business days of impoundment that the animal has been declared dangerous or vicious. Notice to the owner may be sent by mail, personally delivered, or posted at the pursuant to Municipal Code Section _____. At the time of impoundment of an unlicensed dog declared to be dangerous or vicious under this Section, if Animal Services knows who the owner of the dog is and the address of the owner, then Animal Services shall provide the owner the same notice to the owner with all of the items stated below. The notice shall also include the following:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
17 1. A statement of the facts upon which the declaration was based;
2. Notification that the owner has a right to an administrative hearing to review the animal control officer's determination pursuant to Section 6.16.050;
3. Notification that, unless a request for an appeal before the hearing officer is received within ten (10) business days of impoundment, the animal will be disposed of in a humane manner; and
4. A copy of the text of Municipal Code Chapter 6.16 and Chapter 6.24. No such notice is required if the animal is not wearing a license tag. The notice, if required by this section, shall be delivered to the animal's owner personally or posted in a conspicuous location at the owner's known address or the address provided in the license application.
C. The owner of an animal declared to be dangerous or vicious pursuant to subsection (A) and impounded pursuant to Section 6.24.030 may, within ten (10) business days of impoundment, request a hearing by the hearing officer to review the animal control officer's determination that the animal is dangerous or vicious, and pay the applicable hearing fee and advance deposit set by Resolution of the City Council, for the purposes of covering the administrative hearing costs and care and maintenance of the dog pending and during the hearing process. If no hearing is requested within this time period, then the Poundmaster will destroy the animal in a humane manner.
D. When the owner of the animal requests a hearing, and pays the applicable hearing fee and deposit, the animal control officer shall consult with the hearing officer, set a date and time for such a hearing, and send a notice thereof by regular mail at least five (5) business days before such date to the owner at the address set forth on his or her request. The owner seeking the hearing may request to have the hearing date rescheduled if they are not available at the scheduled date. The hearing may be rescheduled once or more at the discretion of the hearing officer. Requests must be made prior to the date of the hearing and will not be accepted unless the owner also pays the City's costs of maintaining the animal at the applicable rate set by City Council from the impoundment date to the rescheduled date of the hearing at the time the request to reschedule the hearing is made.
E. Although advance deposit of fees may be deferred upon a showing of serious financial hardship at the time of filing the appeal the payment of all applicable fees and animal care and maintenance costs during impoundment will be required after the hearing if the determination by Animal Services is not reversed, and/or as set forth in Section 6.16.050.
6.16.040 Conduct of hearing.
A. The hearing shall be conducted before a hearing officer. Animal Services shall send notice of this hearing to any victims bitten, attacked or injured by the animal, and to any known witnesses of such bite, attack, or injury.
B. The hearing shall be open to the public and shall be recorded by audio or through a shorthand reporter, at the hearing officer’s option. The owner may be represented by a representative of their choosing. The hearing officer shall hear all pertinent evidence offered by all interested persons. The technical rules of evidence shall not be applicable to the hearing, except that the hearing officer's decision may not be based wholly on hearsay evidence. The owner and the Animal Services representative shall each have the right to call and examine witnesses; to introduce exhibits; to cross-examine opposing witnesses on any matter relevant to the issues at the hearing even though the matter was not covered in the direct examination; to impeach any witness regardless of which party first called him or her to testify, to rebut the evidence against him or her. If the owner does not testify on his or her behalf, he or she may be called and examined as if under cross-examination, except where criminal charges are pending against the owner or if it is possible that such charges may be brought against the owner. All persons testifying may be recorded, either through audio recorder or through a shorthand reporter, at the hearing officer's option, and persons so testifying shall be informed of such recording. The hearing officer shall keep a log of the testimony and documentary evidence received during the hearing. Copies of all documentary evidence submitted to the hearing officer shall be retained by Animal Services until all appeal periods have elapsed.
C. Any animal which, while at large, has attacked, bitten, or caused injury to a human being or caused a serious injury or the death of another animal or has been declared dangerous or vicious by the animal control officer after October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
18 an investigation into an incident, is presumed to be dangerous or vicious and the burden is on the owner to present evidence that the animal is not dangerous or vicious.
D. In making a determination that an animal is or is not dangerous or vicious, evidence of the following shall be considered (not in any specific order of preference):
1. Any previous history of the animal attacking, biting or causing injury to a human being or other animal; however, the lack of any such history shall not be the sole grounds for a determination that the animal is not dangerous or vicious;
2. The nature and extent of injuries inflicted, and the number of victims involved;
3. The place where the bite, attack or injury occurred;
4. The presence or absence of any provocation for the bite, attack or injury;
5. The extent to which property has been damaged or destroyed;
6. Whether the animal exhibits any characteristics of being trained for fighting or attack or other evidence to show such training or fighting;
7. Whether the animal exhibits characteristics of aggressive or unpredictable temperament or behavior in the presence of human beings or other animals;
8. Whether the animal can be effectively trained to change its temperament or behavior;
9. The manner in which the animal has been maintained by its owner or custodian;
10. Any other relevant evidence concerning the maintenance of the animal, including but not limited to evidence that animal's license had been revoked on a prior occasion or the owner was required to partake in training pursuant to Section 6.16.070, or meet other obligations concerning previous findings of negligent training, handling, or maintenance; and
11. Any other relevant evidence regarding the ability of the owner or custodian to protect the public safety in the future if the animal is permitted to remain in the city.
E. This section is an administrative hearing procedure established by the City under California Food and Agriculture Code section 31621. Any and all hearings held pursuant to this chapter of the Municipal Code shall be a hearing held pursuant to Section 31621.
6.16.050 Hearing decision.
A. At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer may determine:
1. That the animal is not a dangerous or vicious animal and should be returned to its owner. Upon such finding the hearing officer has discretion to determine whether the applicable impound and appeal fees should be waived if the hearing officer determines that the animal should not have been impounded at the time of the incident. The hearing officer may order that the fees shall be required to be paid as a condition of the animal being returned if the hearing officer determines the circumstances of the incident supported the conclusion by the animal control officer that the animal was dangerous or vicious when it was impounded.
2. That the evidence presented at the hearing is insufficient to determine that the animal is or is not dangerous or vicious, but there is sufficient evidence to determine that the attack, bite or injury was the result of improper or negligent training, handling or maintenance and that the license should be revoked and a provisional license be issued while the owner and dog undertake training and educational requirements pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.16.070.
3. That the animal is a dangerous or vicious animal and it should be humanely destroyed no sooner than the tenth (10th) business day following the mailing of notice of the hearing officer's decision, pursuant to Section
6.16.060(C).
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
19 B. The decision of the hearing officer shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally to the owner or mailed to him or her by regular mail at the address appearing on the request for hearing. A copy of the decision shall be mailed to the animal control officer. If the decision concludes that the animal is dangerous or vicious, the decision shall include the following notification:
“This decision is final. The animal's owner may seek judicial review of this decision by filing an appeal with the Tulare County Superior Court, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 6.16.050(C) and California Food and Agriculture Code section 31622. If you file such an action, you must also notify City Animal Services in writing by serving notice of your appeal by personal service during regular business hours or by First Class Mail, postage prepaid, at:
City of Exeter Animal Services
[address]
An appeal must be filed within five (5) days after your receipt of this decision. If no such petition is filed and timely service is not made of an appeal within ten (10) business days of the date this decision is mailed to you, City of Exeter Animal Services will order the destruction of the animal in a humane manner.” C. The decision of the hearing officer shall be considered the final decision. Either the City or the animal's owner may seek judicial review of the hearing officer's decision by filing an appeal with the Tulare County Superior Court, pursuant to the applicable provisions of California Food and Agriculture Code section 31622. The party seeking judicial review is responsible for the costs of preparing the administrative record.
6.16.060 Disposition of a dangerous/vicious animal.
A. It is unlawful for any person to own, possess, harbor or keep any animal declared to be dangerous or vicious.
B. Any animal declared to be dangerous or vicious, if not already impounded, shall be immediately surrendered to the animal control officer, failure to surrender an animal that has been declared dangerous or vicious, is a separate violation of this code, and it is the duty of the animal control officer to take up and impound any such animal.
C. Any animal declared to be dangerous or vicious shall be humanely destroyed. The animal control officer shall sign an order authorizing the destruction of the animal immediately upon occurrence of any of the following:
1. Expiration of ten (10) business days from the date of impoundment without receipt by the animal control officer of a request for appeal pursuant to Section 6.16.030(C);
2. Expiration of ten (10) business days from the mailing of a hearing officer's decision that the animal is dangerous pursuant to Section 6.16.050(A)(3), unless the owner has filed an action with the county superior court seeking judicial review pursuant to Section 6.16.050(C);
3. Expiration of ten (10) business days following the entry of an order by the Tulare County Superior Court upholding the decision of a hearing officer that the animal is dangerous or vicious.
6.16.070 Finding of improper or negligent training, handling or maintenance.
If it is determined by the hearing officer that the animal is not dangerous or vicious, but that the bite, attack or injury was the result of improper or negligent training, handling or maintenance, then the following conditions will be enforced:
A. Training will be required of the owner and the animal, and the hearing officer, in consultation with the animal control officer, shall set a probationary period and shall set the terms and conditions of the training and other tasks to be completed by the owner during such period;
B. The current license will be revoked, and a “provisional” dog license will be issued during the probationary period;
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
20 C. After submission of evidence to the animal control officer of successful completion of the probationary period, the dog shall be issued a current city dog license.
D. Any violation of the probation terms set forth by the hearing officer will result in immediate impoundment.
Within ten (10) business days of such impoundment, the animal control officer shall set a hearing with the hearing officer for the purpose of making a new determination whether the animal is dangerous or vicious and shall notify the animal's owner of such hearing. All of the evidence of the previous hearing or hearings as well as new evidence regarding the violation of the probation terms shall be considered by the hearing officer. The hearing shall be conducted in the manner specified in Section 6.16.040. At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer may either establish new provisional license requirements or determine that the animal is dangerous or vicious.
6.16.080 Violations for maintaining a dangerous/vicious animal.
The owner or custodian of an animal is deemed responsible for the acts committed by that animal when the owner or custodian fails to comply with legal requirements for keeping the animal secure and under control. In any case wherein an animal attacks, bites or injures a human being or another animal, then the owner or custodian of the animal is in violation of the Municipal Code and such violation may be charged as a misdemeanor in accordance with Section ______ or alternatively as an administrative code violation under Chapter _______.
CHAPTER 6.20. RABIES
Sections:
6.20.010 Application of chapter.
6.20.020 Animal showing signs of rabies.
6.20.030 Isolation of rabid animals and clinically suspected rabid animals.
6.20.040 Animals biting persons.
6.20.050 Animals in contact with rabid animals.
6.20.060 Violation of quarantine.
6.20.010 Application of chapter.
This chapter shall be subject to provisions of Sections 121575-121710 of the Health and Safety Code of the State of California dealing with rabies control as those statutes presently exist or are later modified. The municipal code shall only be enforced to the extent it is not preempted by state law.
6.20.020 Animal showing signs of rabies.
Whenever the owner of an animal observes or learns that such animal shows symptoms of rabies or acts in a manner that would lead to a reasonable suspicion that it may have rabies, such person shall immediately notify the Tulare County health officer. Said person shall thereafter allow the health officer or their representative to make an inspection or examination of said animal.
6.20.030 Isolation of rabid animals and clinically suspected rabid animals.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
21 The owner of any rabid animal or clinically suspected rabid animal shall isolate the animal in strict confinement under proper care and under the observation of a veterinarian, in a pound, veterinary hospital, or other adequate facility in a manner approved by the health officer, and said animal shall not be killed or released from confinement for at least ten days after the onset of symptoms suggestive of rabies and until the health officer gives written authorization for the release of the animal, with the exception that such animal may be sacrificed with the permission of the health officer for the purpose of a laboratory examination for rabies using the fluorescent rabies antibody test in an approved public health laboratory.
6.20.040 Animals biting persons.
Whenever the owner of an animal has knowledge that such animal has bitten any person, the owner shall immediately report that fact to the county health officer and report the name and address of the person bitten and the time and place that such person was bitten. Upon order of the county health officer, the owner shall quarantine the animal for the period of time specified in Section 2606 of Title 17 of the California Administrative Code with regard to rabies areas, and shall allow the health officer or his representative to make inspections and examinations of the animal from time to time during such period. The county health officer shall quarantine said animal upon the premises of the owner. However, if the owner of the animal so desires, the county health officer shall place the animal in quarantine in a veterinary hospital or the Animal Care Center, at the expense of the owner, in lieu of quarantine of the animal on the premises of the owner. Quarantine shall be made by written notice delivered to the owner of said animal stating that the animal is quarantined and the instructions to be followed. If the quarantine is upon the premises of the owner of the animal, the animal shall be confined within a locked enclosure so constructed that the animal cannot escape or have contact with any other animal or human being other than the person responsible for its care or, at the discretion of the health officer, the animal may be kept under restraint by leash in charge of a responsible person, or under such restrictions as the health officer may prescribe. Said animal shall be kept in quarantine until the health officer gives written authorization for the release of the animal from quarantine. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, such animal may be sacrificed with the permission of the health officer for the purpose of a laboratory examination for rabies using the fluorescent rabies antibody test in an approved public health laboratory.
6.20.050 Animals in contact with rabid animals.
Any animal of a species subject to rabies which has been bitten by a known rabid or suspected rabid animal or has been in intimate contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal shall be quarantined by the owner in a place and manner approved by the health officer, for a period of six months or destroyed; provided, however, that the following alternatives are permitted in the case of dogs and cats: If the dog or cat has been vaccinated against rabies within three years but not less than thirty (30) days with a rabies vaccine approved by the California Department of Health, or within one year but not less than thirty (30) days with an approved rabies vaccine, as those types of vaccines are defined in Section 2606 et seq., of Title 17 of the Code of Regulations, the dog or cat may be revaccinated in a manner approved by the health officer and quarantined in a place and manner approved by the health officer for a period of thirty (30) days. The provisions of Section 6.20.010 concerning quarantine shall also apply to the quarantine of animals pursuant to this section.
6.20.060 Violation of quarantine.
When any animal is quarantined by the county health officer, it is unlawful for the owner of the animal to violate the quarantine by removing said animal from the premises where it is quarantined, allowing it to run at large, destroying it without authorization from the health officer, concealing it from the health officer, or disobeying any of the quarantine restrictions which have been imposed by the health officer.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
22 CHAPTER 6.22. TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN (TNR) PROGRAM FOR FERAL AND
COMMUNITY CATS
6.22.010 – Purpose
The City of Exeter recognizes that unmanaged feral cat populations pose public health, environmental, and nuisance concerns. The City supports the humane reduction of these populations through a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, in partnership with animal care professionals and the community.
6.22.020 – Definitions
• Feral Cat: A free-roaming cat that is not socialized to humans and typically lives outdoors without direct human supervision.
• Community Cat: A feral or free-roaming cat that may or may not be cared for by one or more residents in a neighborhood.
• TNR Program: A program in which feral or community cats are humanely trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, ear-tipped for identification, and returned to the location from which they were captured. • Caretaker: A person or group who provides regular food, water, or shelter to a community cat but does not necessarily claim ownership.
• Ear-Tipping: The removal of the distal one-quarter of a cat’s left ear while under anesthesia, used to indicate sterilization and vaccination.
6.22.030 – Program Authorization
A. The City of Exeter authorizes the implementation of a TNR program to humanely manage feral and community cat populations. The program may be administered directly by the City or through an agreement with an animal control provider, other municipality, or nonprofit rescue organization.
B. Any person may participate in the TNR program provided they do so in accordance with this chapter and any rules issued by the administering agency.
6.22.040 – Trapping and Handling
A. Feral or community cats may be trapped using humane live traps only.
B. Trapping shall only occur for the purposes of sterilization, vaccination, or relocation if medically necessary.
C. Cats shall be returned to the original location unless the site is deemed unsafe or unsuitable by the animal control provider or veterinarian.
6.22.050 – Exemptions from Abandonment and Licensing Laws Cats that are ear-tipped and returned to the community as part of an approved TNR program shall not be considered abandoned or subject to licensing requirements under this Title.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
23 6.22.060 – Caretaker Responsibilities
While not considered the legal owner, a caretaker who intentionally provides food or shelter to community cats is encouraged to:
• Cooperate with sterilization efforts;
• Ensure feeding does not attract vermin or create a public nuisance; • Avoid feeding during daytime hours in high-traffic areas.
Caretakers shall not be subject to fines or penalties for maintaining community cats in compliance with this chapter.
6.22.070 – Enforcement and Nuisance Control
A. Nothing in this chapter prohibits the City or its authorized agents from addressing situations where feral cats create verified public health hazards, destroy property, or pose a risk to wildlife.
B. In cases where nuisance complaints arise, the City may attempt mitigation with the caretaker or trap and relocate the animals if necessary.
6.22.080 – No Interference
It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly:
1. Harm or kill an ear-tipped community cat participating in a TNR program;
2. Remove an ear-tipped cat from its location without authorization;
3. Release an unsterilized feral cat not part of an approved TNR program.
CHAPTER 6.24. IMPOUNDMENT.
Sections:
6.24.010 Impounding dogs without tags.
6.24.020 Impounding dogs with tags.
6.24.030 Impounding biting or attacking animals.
6.24.040 Violation of quarantine.
6.24.050 Notice to owner of impounded licensed animal.
6.24.060 Redemption of impounded animals.
6.24.070 Fees for impounding and keeping animals.
6.24.080 Adoption or destruction of impounded animals wearing tags.
6.24.090 Adoption or destruction of impounded animals not wearing tags.
6.24.100 Sale of impounded animals--Receipts.
6.24.110 Duty of Poundmaster to accept stray and/or abandoned dogs and cats.
6.24.120 Dogs and cats at large--Private property.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
24 6.24.130 Delivery of dogs and cats to Poundmaster by private persons.
6.24.140 Care of animals while impounded.
6.24.010 Impounding dogs without tags.
The Poundmaster, any animal control officer, and any peace officer, shall impound dogs which are not wearing the license or tag required by Section 6.12.050 and which are found running at large within the incorporated area of the city. When such a dog is impounded, it shall be delivered to the Poundmaster. All such dogs shall be impounded in the Animal Care Center.
6.24.020 Impounding dogs with tags.
The Poundmaster, any animal control officer, and any peace officer, shall impound dogs which are wearing the required license tag and which are found running at large within the incorporated area of the city, if the officer is unable to locate or notify the owner prior to impoundment of the dog. When such a dog is impounded, it shall be delivered to the Poundmaster. All such dogs shall be impounded in the Animal Care Center.
6.24.030 Impounding biting or attacking animals.
A. The Poundmaster, any animal control officer, and any peace officer, shall have the power to summarily and immediately impound a dog or other animal determined to be dangerous or vicious as stated in Chapter 6.16. The Poundmaster may enter and inspect private property to enforce the provisions of this section, provided such entry or inspection is conducted in a manner consistent with state and federal constitutional provisions. It is unlawful for any person to fail to surrender to the Poundmaster, any animal control officer, or any peace officer, upon demand, a dog or other animal which is being impounded pursuant to this section.
B. Any dog or other animal impounded pursuant to this section may be permanently identified by the Poundmaster by means of photo identification and license number prior to release from impound or confinement.
C. The animal control officer and the owner of the animal impounded pursuant to this section, in addition to complying with this chapter and Chapter 6.16 shall also observe the provisions of Chapter 6.20 (pertaining to quarantine of animals suspected of being rabid).
6.24.040 Violation of quarantine.
It is unlawful for any person to suffer or permit any dog, cat, animal or household pet owned, harbored or controlled by them to violate any written quarantine notice. Any person who violates such written notice shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
6.24.050 Notice to owner of impounded licensed animal.
Within two (2) business days after an animal which is wearing a license tag is impounded under this chapter, the Poundmaster shall mail a notice of the impounding to the owner at the address shown on the application for the license which is on file with the Poundmaster, and advise the owner of the procedure whereby he or she may apply to regain custody of the animal. The owner of an animal declared vicious or dangerous pursuant to Section
6.16.030 shall be notified pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 6.16.
6.24.060 Redemption of impounded animals.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
25 A. The owner of any animal impounded, other than pursuant to Section 6.24.030 and Chapter 6.16, may, except as otherwise provided by law, redeem the animal at any time prior to its transfer, adoption, or destruction, and must do so in compliance with subsection (C) below.
B. The owner of any animal impounded pursuant to Section 6.24.030 may only redeem the animal in compliance with. However, all applicable impound fees shall be applied and must be resolved in order for the animal to be redeemed.
C. A person desiring to redeem an animal shall deliver to the Poundmaster an application for redemption and a statement in a form prescribed by the Poundmaster which shall contain a description of the animal to be redeemed, the name and address of the claimant, and the statement that he or she is the owner of the animal to be redeemed. If the Poundmaster determines that the animal may be redeemed pursuant to Subsection (A) or (B) above, the Poundmaster shall issue to such person a written statement containing the name and address of the claimant, a description of the animal redeemed, the date on which the animal was impounded, and the accrued impound-related fees in accordance with Section 6.24.070, and said statement shall serve as a certificate of redemption and receipt for the fees paid. License and microchip requirements shall also apply prior to redemption.
Unlicensed animals must be licensed prior to redemption and a microchip must be implanted (at owner expense) if the animal was not already microchipped from all animals redeemed from the Animal Care Center.
6.24.070 Fees for impounding and keeping animals.
The owner of an animal which has been impounded shall pay to the Poundmaster an impounding fee as set by resolution of the city council.
6.24.080 Adoption or destruction of impounded animals wearing tags.
A. Unless an animal wearing a license tag has been redeemed within six (6) business days after being impounded or unless it is being held pending a hearing pursuant to Chapter 6.16, it may be made available for adoption by a member of the public by the Poundmaster or killed by the Poundmaster in a humane manner. No animal which has been declared a dangerous animal pursuant to Chapter 6.16 shall be made available for adoption pursuant to this section unless after an appeal the animal is determined not to be dangerous or vicious.
B. If the owner of an animal gives permission in writing to do so, the animal may be made available for adoption or destroyed at any time after it is delivered to the animal shelter, provided that no animal held pursuant to Chapter 6.16 shall be made available for adoption even with the permission of the owner.
6.24.090 Adoption or destruction of impounded animals not wearing tags.
A. Unless an animal which is not wearing a license tag has been redeemed within four (4) business days after being impounded or unless it is being held pending a hearing pursuant to Chapter 6.16, it may be made available for adoption to the public or killed in a humane manner. But no animal which has been declared a dangerous animal pursuant to Chapter 6.16 shall be made available for adoption pursuant to this section nor shall any dog, cat or other animal which has been impounded pursuant to Section 6.16 and subsequently found not dangerous but improperly trained, handled or maintained be made available for adoption except to a person who is willing to properly train, handle and maintain the dog, cat or other animal, as determined by the Poundmaster.
B. If the owner of an animal gives permission in writing to do so, the animal may be made available for adoption or destroyed in accordance with subsection (A) of this section at any time after it is delivered to the animal shelter, provided that no animal held pursuant to Chapter 6.16 shall be made available for adoption sold even with the permission of the owner.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
26 6.24.100 Adoption of impounded animals -Receipts.
When a dog, cat or other animal is adopted by a member of the public pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the Poundmaster shall deliver to the new owner of said dog, cat or other animal, a statement in writing containing a description of the animal, the date of adoption. All adoptions shall convey a good and valid title to the purchaser, and the previous owner of the animal shall thereafter be barred from all right to recover said animal.
6.24.110 Duty of Poundmaster to accept stray and/or abandoned dogs and cats.
It shall be the duty of the Poundmaster to receive and impound from the public all dogs, and cats (that are not apparently subject to Chapter 6.22) believed to be stray and/or abandoned by their owners, located within the city.
6.24.120 Dogs and cats at large--Private property.
Any dog or cat found at large on any private property in the city may be taken up by the owner or possessor of the property and delivered to the poundmaster.
6.24.130 Delivery of dogs and cats to Poundmaster by private persons.
Every person taking up any dog or cat under the provisions of this title and every person finding any lost, stray or abandoned dog or cat shall within twenty-four (24) hours thereafter, give notice thereof to the Poundmaster and every such person in whose custody such dog or cat may, in the meantime be placed, may surrender such animal to the Poundmaster without fee or charge.
6.24.140 Care of animals while impounded.
The Poundmaster shall provide all animals in its custody with proper food and water, and shall give them all necessary care and attention. The Poundmaster shall consider a fee at the time an impounded animal is redeemed by its owner or person having custody, or may charge these fees at such time an unclaimed animal is rescued or adopted.
CHAPTER 6.28. COMMERCIAL ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
Sections:
6.28.010 Commercial animal establishments.
6.28.020 Permit requirements.
6.28.030 Kennel permit.
6.28.040 Breeder permit.
6.28.050 Breeder advertising.
6.28.060 Reporting of dog/cat records.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
27 6.28.010 Commercial animal establishments.
A. It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or association to erect, establish, maintain any commercial animal establishment or pet shop without first obtaining a business license from the city and that business license may not be issued until after inspection and approval of the conditions of the commercial animal establishment by the Poundmaster according to the requirements of this Chapter. Such business license shall be issued pursuant to city licensing regulations; however, the Poundmaster may suspend it at any time an inspection reveals a violation of the provisions of this chapter.
B. Every person within the city who owns, conducts, manages, or operates any commercial animal establishment for which a city business license or special use permit is required shall comply with each of the following conditions:
1. Housing facilities shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair to protect animals from injury and restrict entrance of other animals;
2. All animals and all animal buildings or enclosures shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition;
3. All animals shall be supplied with sufficient good and wholesome food and water as often as the feeding habits of the respective animals require;
4. Animal buildings and enclosures shall be so constructed and maintained as to prevent escape of animals;
5. All reasonable precautions shall be taken to protect the public from the animals and animals from the public;
6. Every building or enclosure wherein animals are maintained shall be properly ventilated to prevent drafts and to remove odors. Heating and cooling shall be provided as required according to the physical needs of the animals;
7. All animal rooms, cages, and runs shall be of sufficient size to provide adequate and proper housing for animals kept therein;
8. All animal runs shall be of concrete and provided with adequate drainage into an approved sewer or individual sewer disposal installation;
9. All animals shall be taken to a licensed veterinarian for an examination and treatment if so ordered by the animal control officer;
10. Every violation of applicable regulation shall be corrected within reasonable time to be specified by the animal control officer;
11. Commercial animal establishments shall comply with all other applicable City codes and ordinances;
12. All commercial animal establishments may be inspected from time to time by an animal control officer to investigate any complaints of violations of the provisions of this chapter.
C. Failure of the applicant for said license or special use permit to comply with any one of the foregoing conditions shall be deemed just cause for the denial of any business license, whether original or renewal and/or the issuance of a citation for violations pursuant to provisions of this chapter.
6.28.020 Permit requirements.
A. Application for all kennel or breeder permits pursuant to this chapter shall be filed with the Poundmaster on a form prescribed by the pound-master. Fees charged for these permits shall be set annually by resolution of city council as recommended by the Poundmaster. The kennel and breeder permits shall be issued for the calendar year or any part thereof and are effective from January 1st of each year and expire on December 31st of that same year. The full amount of the permit fee shall be paid even though the permit is issued for only a portion of a permit year. Renewal and payment of the permit is due and payable on January 1st of each year. The Poundmaster shall collect a delinquent penalty in an amount equal to the amount as established for license penalties.
B. The failure to obtain the appropriate permit is punishable as an infraction as set forth herein.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
28 C. Any or all of the permits within this code may be immediately suspended for any violations of the conditions for commercial animal establishments pursuant to Section 6.28.010.
6.28.030 Kennel permit.
A. It is unlawful for any person(s) to own, maintain, or harbor, any more than a total of four dogs and/or cats combined within the city limits without first obtaining a kennel permit (or breeder permit for animals less than four months in age) from the Poundmaster. The issuance of the permit shall be at the discretion of the Poundmaster who shall take into consideration the manner in which the animals are housed, sanitation and noise factors, as well as animal control regulations. The kennel permit may also require the payment of a separate kennel permit fee at the rate set by City Council. Kennel permits shall contain the same requirements as commercial establishments for the health and safety of animals and the general public.
B. Effective January 1, 2026 the City of Exeter will not issue kennel permits to locations that have not previously been issued a kennel permit within the prior three years. This prohibition on new kennel permits shall not apply to kennel permits for commercially operated kennels established after this date in a land use zone that allows such usage under the City of Exeter Zoning Ordinance and the kennel has complied with all other applicable zoning requirements.
6.28.040 Breeder permit.
A. It is unlawful for any person to breed more than one litter of dogs and/or cats in one year for sale or profit or to advertise for the sale/adoption of such animals without first obtaining a breeder permit.
B. The fees for a breeder permit shall be set by resolution of the city council and must be submitted to the Poundmaster for the breeding of dogs or cats that produce one or more litters in a year, as well as advertising for the sale of dogs and cats within the city limits. Breeding permit requirements are as follows:
1. No offspring can be sold/adopted until eight weeks of age;
2. No offspring can be sold/adopted until vaccinated against common diseases;
3. The breeder permit holder must display the permit number when advertising the animals for sale/adoption.
6.28.050 Breeder advertising.
It is unlawful for any person to advertise for the sale/adoption of a litter of dogs or cats in the city without including in the advertisement a city breeder permit number. A litter shall be defined as two or more offspring from the same female dog or cat.
6.28.060 Reporting of dog/cat records.
Every commercial animal establishment holder of a breeder permit, holder of a kennel permit and others who sell/adopt animals for consideration must keep permanent records of all dogs/cats sold/adopted and forward such information on a monthly basis to the Poundmaster for licensing and confirmation of rabies vaccination.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council