EXETER CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
October 14, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Hall, 137 North F Street
Exeter, California 93221
Mayor
Jacob Johnson
Mayor Pro Tem
Jeff Wilson
Council Members
Vicki Riddle
Frankie Alves
Bobby Lentz
Notice is hereby given that the Exeter City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in person at Exeter City Hall located at 137 N. F St. in Exeter California, 93221.
Staff Reports related to items on the agenda are available on the City’s website at https://cityofexeter.ca.gov/ and available for viewing at City Hall. 6:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER CLOSED SESSION
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING CLOSED SESSION MATTERS
Comments from the public are limited to items listed on the closed session matters (GC 54954.3a). Speakers will be allowed three (3) minutes. Please begin your comments by stating your name and providing your City of residence.
C. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION(S)
1. 54956.9(d)(2) Conference with Legal Counsel
Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation – One (1) Case: Facts Not Known to Potential Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation – One (1) Case: Letter from State of California Housing and Community Development (HCD) dated 10/8/25.
2. 54956.9(d)(1) Conference with Legal Counsel
Re: Existing Litigation – One (1) Case: City of Exeter v. Sandra Kay Bumgarner, et al., Tulare County Superior Court No. VCU323368
3. 54956.9(d)(4) Conference with Legal Counsel
Re: Potential Initiation of Litigation – Two (2) Cases
4. 54956.9(d)(4) Conference with Legal Counsel
Re: Anticipated Litigation – One (1) Case
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
7:00 p.m.
D. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION
E. INVOCATION
Presented by Mayor Johnson
F. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
G. PUBLIC COMMENTS
This is the time for citizens to comment on subject matters that are not on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Exeter City Council. In compliance with public meeting laws, Council cannot discuss topics that are not included on the published agenda. This is also the time for citizens to comment on items listed on the Consent Calendar or to request an item from the Consent Calendar be pulled for discussion purposes. Public comments related to all pulled Consent Calendar Items and all Individual Business or Public Hearing Items that are listed on this agenda will be heard at the time that item is discussed or at a time the Public Hearing is opened for comment.
In fairness to all who wish to speak tonight, comments shall be limited to five (5) minutes for each individual, ten (10) minutes for an individual representing a group, and thirty (30) minutes overall for the entire public comment period, unless otherwise indicated by the Mayor. Although not required, speakers are asked to begin their comments by stating their name and city of residence.
H. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these matters unless a request is made and then the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by a separate motion.
1. Approval of September 23, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes (pp. 5 – 8)
2. Approval of the Payment of Bills for September 19, 2025 (pp. 9 – 15)
3. Approval of Payroll in the Amount of $88,332.27 for the Period of August 25, 2025, to September 7, 2025, with a Check Date of September 12, 2025 (pp. 16 – 23)
4. Acceptance of a Notice of Completion for Request for Bids (RFB)25-003 Downtown Streetlight Installation Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice with Tulare County Recorder’s Office (pp. 24 – 26)
5. Approval of the Purchase of 510 Tons of Compost from Mid Valley Disposal of Kerman, CA in the Amount of $16,563.18 as Required Under Senate Bill (SB) 1383 to Meet the City of Exeter’s 2025 Procurement Target (pp. 27 – 29)
6. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement for Contract Services for the City of Exeter’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Distribution System with October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Central Cal Waterworks Inc. extending contracted services through January 31, 2026 (pp. 30 – 46)
7. Quarterly Update of the Internal Review for City of Exeter Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment Districts (LLMADs) (pp. 47 – 48)
8. Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-42, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Exeter Accepting State Transit Assistance (STA) Credit and State of Good Repair (SGR) Credit from the Tulare County Regional Transit Agency (TCRTA) (pp.49 – 52) I. INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS ITEMS
Comments related to Individual Business and Public Hearing Items are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, for a maximum of 30 minutes per item. The Mayor may reasonably limit or extend the public comment period to preserve the Council's interest in conducting efficient, orderly meetings.
1. Consider Appointments of Committee Members for the Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee (pp. 53 – 63)
Presented by Francesca Quintana, City Clerk/Human Resources Manager
2. Consider City Council Meeting Schedule Adjustments for November and December 2025 (pp.64 – 66)
Presented by Jason Ridenour, City Administrator
3. Consider Comprehensive Updates to Title 6 of the City of Exeter Municipal Code (Animals) (pp. 67 – 173)
Presented by Julia Lew, City Attorney
J. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS OF INTEREST
K. CITY ADMINISTRATOR/DEPARTMENT COMMENTS
L. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT
State of California )
County of Tulare ) ss.
City of Exeter )
I declare under penalty of perjury that I am employed by the City of Exeter, in the Administrator’s Office; and that I posted this Agenda on the bulletin board outside of City Hall 137 N. F St. Exeter CA 93221 on October 10, 2025, and online on the City of Exeter website. _______________________________________________
Francesca Quintana, City Clerk
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the California Ralph M. Brown Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, or to be able to access this agenda and documents in the agenda packet, please contact the City Clerk (559)592-9244. Notification prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting and/or provision of an appropriate alternative format of the agenda and documents in the agenda packet. (28 CFR 35.102-35. 104 ADA Title II).
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the legislative body after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at City of Exeter, Administration Office 314 W. Firebaugh, Exeter CA 93221 during normal business hours.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
EXETER CITY COUNCIL
AMENDED REGULAR
MEETING ACTION MINUTES
September 23, 2025, 7:00 PM
City Hall, 137 North F Street
Exeter, California 93221
Mayor
Jacob Johnson
Mayor Pro Tem
Jeff Wilson
Council Members
Vicki Riddle
Frankie Alves
Bobby Lentz
Notice is hereby given that the Exeter City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in person at Exeter City Hall located at 137 N. F St. in Exeter California, 93221.
Staff Reports related to items on the agenda are available on the City’s website at https://cityofexeter.ca.gov/ and available for viewing at City Hall. 7:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR SESSION
Mayor called the regular session to order at 7:00 PM.
B. INVOCATION
Presented by Exeter Ministerial
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Council Member Alves
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comment from Kyle Savage on behalf of State Senator Shannon Grove. Savage shared some legislative updates and offered any assistance and participation in events from the Senator’s Office.
Public comment from PK Whitmire. Whitmire shared that she attended the ATAC meeting and shared updates from the meeting as well as ideas that she felt could assist Exeter.
E. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Oath of Office for Police Officers Magana Martinez, Linares, and Shields (pp. 4 – 6) Presented by Mayor Johnson
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these matters unless a request is made and then the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar to be discussed and voted upon by a separate motion.
1. Approval of September 9, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes (pp. 7 – 10)
2. Approval of the Payment of Bills for September 5, 2025. (pp. 11 – 17)
3. Approval of Payroll in the Amount of $86,334.46 for the Period of August 11, 2025, to August 24, 2025, with a Check Date of August 29, 2025. (pp. 18 – 25)
4. Approval of a Temporary Street Closure Request from the Exeter Boys and Girls Club of the Sequoias Including a Waiver of the $103 Street Closure Fee for Harvest Festival on October 16, 2025 (pp. 26 – 34)
5. Approval of a Facility Use Request from the Exeter Chamber of Commerce Including a Fee Waiver of $322.00 for the Downtown Exeter Christmas Open House to be held Weekly in December 2025 (pp. 35 – 41)
6. Authorize City Administrator to Execute an Agreement with GoGov for a Citizen Request Management Software Solution (pp. 42 – 53)
7. Authorize City Administrator to Execute an Agreement with Gavin Tolbert’s Tree Service for Tree Trimming Services in the Glenn View Estates Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District (LLMAD) (pp. 54 – 59)
8. Authorization to Release Request for Proposal (RFP) for Classification and Compensation Survey (pp. 60 – 89)
Approval of Consent Calendar
1st 2nd Result JONHSON WILSON ALVES RIDDLE LENTZ
ALVES WILSON (5-0) AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE
G. INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS ITEMS
Comments related to Individual Business and Public Hearing Items are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, for a maximum of 30 minutes per item. The Mayor may reasonably limit or extend the public comment period to preserve the Council's interest in conducting efficient, orderly meetings.
1. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-41, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Exeter, Approving the Closeout of the City’s 21 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-PL-30007) and Accepting the Sanitary Sewer and Wastewater Treatment Plan Master Plan (pp. 90 – 163)
Presented by Rene Miller, Finance Manager
Mayor opened the public hearing at 7:19 PM.
Receiving no public comment, the Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:20 PM.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Approval of Item G.1.
1st 2nd Result JONHSON WILSON ALVES RIDDLE LENTZ
JOHNSON ALVES (5-0) AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE
2. Annual Public Meeting In Consideration of Renewal of Ordinance No. 703 per the requirements of Assembly Bill 481, 1) allow public comment and questions concerning the annual report and the funding, acquisition and use of the equipment, 2) review and renew EPD Policy 706 – Military Equipment, 3) review the AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report 2024, and 4) by opting to not modify or rescind it, renew Ordinance No. 703 (pp. 164 – 187)
Presented by Rob Schimpf, Chief of Police
Mayor opened the item up for public comment.
No public comment was presented.
Approval of Item G.2.
1st 2nd Result JONHSON WILSON ALVES RIDDLE LENTZ
JOHNSON RIDDLE (5-0) AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE
3. Site Distance Analysis for the Intersection of Pine Street and B Street and the Palm Street Striping Modification Analysis at the intersection of Palm Street and G Street (pp. 188 – 193)
Presented by Kevin Gross, Contract City Engineer
No action taken on this item. It was for discussion and informational purposes only.
4. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-40, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Exeter Approving the City of Exeter Guidelines for Community Project & Beautification Coordinators (pp. 194 - 204)
Presented by Jason Ridenour, City Administrator
Approval of Item G.4.
1st 2nd Result JONHSON WILSON ALVES RIDDLE LENTZ
ALVES WILSON (5-0) AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE
H. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS OF INTEREST
Council Member Alves shared that he attended the 9/11 memorial service and thanked Council Member Riddle for her involvement. Alves congratulated Police Officer Brown on his recent nuptuals. Alves welcomed the Finance Director Eekhong Franco back from her leave.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Mayor Pro Tem Wilson shared that he also attended the 9/11 memorial service and also thanked Council Member Riddle. Wilson thanked the Public Works Director Zach Boudreux for acquiring the GoGov software. Wilson apologized for missing the waterboard meeting. Wilson shared that he would be attending the upcoming League of Cities conference.
Council Member Riddle thanked everyone for their involvement in the 9/11 memorial service.
Riddle shared information from her recent TCAG meeting. Riddle shared an update on the SR65 project. Riddle shared an update regarding ‘E250’ and upcoming projects/events.
Council Member Lentz also attended the 9/11 memorial service and shared that it was a great event and had many attendees.
Mayor Johnson also attended the 9/11 memorial service and also thanked Council Member Riddle for her involvement. Johnson shared that planning for the holiday events in Exeter is underway.
I. CITY ADMINISTRATOR/DEPARTMENT COMMENTS
J. REGULAR MEETING ADJOURNMENT
Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m.
_________________________
Francesca Quintana, City Clerk
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Agenda Item Staff Report
Meeting Date:
October 14, 2025
Wording for Agenda:
Approval of the Payment of Bills for September 19, 2025.
Submitting Department:
Finance
Contact Name:
Eekhong Franco, Finance Director
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the payment of bills in the amount of $178,869.08 dated September 19, 2025.
The Finance Department has reviewed and compiled invoices and expenses for city operations for approval by the City Council, which are summarized and attached to this report. This action authorizes the disbursement of funds for routine and approved expenditures necessary to continue city services.
The payment of bills is a recurring action presented to the City Council to ensure transparency and fiscal oversight of city expenditures. The item reflects payments made for various city services, supplies, utilities, and obligations incurred in the normal course of business. All bills have been reviewed by the Finance Department and are within budgeted appropriations. • Total amount: $178,869.08
• Funding sources: Various city departmental budgets
• Budget implications: All payments are within the approved Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget. No additional appropriations are necessary.
For action by:
☒City Council
Regular Session:
☒Consent Calendar
☐Regular Item
☐Public Hearing
Review:
City Administrator
(Initials Required)
__J.R___
Agenda Item Number: H.2.
Department Recommendation:
Summary:
Background:
Fiscal Impact:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
The City Council routinely approves payment of bills during regular meetings. This item is part of the standard financial reporting and authorization process. • Payments for Publication Report dated September 19, 2025.
I move to approve the payment of bills in the amount of $178,869.08 dated September 19, 2025.
Prior City Council Actions:
Attachments:
Recommended motion to be made by the City Council:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
AVENU FINANCIAL SYSTEM CITY OF EXETER
09/19/2025 10:31:07 Payments for Publication GL050S-V08.22 COVERPAGE GL335R
Report Selection:
Run Group... 091925 Comment... CHECK RUN 9/19/25
Approval Date for Report........... 09 19 2025
Payments Through Date.............. 09 19 2025
Cutoff Amount to be Used........... 0000000
RUN GROUP... 091925 COMMENT... CHECK RUN 9/19/25
DATA-JE-ID DATA COMMENT
-------------- ------------------------
D-09192025-088 CHECK RUN 9/19/25
Run Instructions:
Jobq Banner Copies Form Printer Hold Space LPI Lines CPI CP SP RT L 01 LASERHP4 Y S 6 066 10
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
AVENU FINANCIAL SYSTEM CITY OF EXETER
9/19/2025 10:31:07 Payments for Publication GL335R-V08.22 PAGE Approved on 9/19/2025 for Payments Through 9/19/2025
Vendor Name Description Amount
A.R.E AUTO PARTS INC. FORNEY BINDER CHAIN-TRAI 2,150.46 ABLE INDUSTRIES, INC 07/25 MAINT VISALIA RD 1,462.50
AFLAC AUG 2025 AFLAC 5,320.26
AT&T MOBILITY PW- 8/03/25-9/02/25 403.83
BASIC SEP 2025 COBRA FEE 35.01
BUZZ KILL PEST CONTROL AUG 1907 W MYER PEST CON 244.00
CAL BENNETT'S ADMIN FURN RENT-314 W FI 581.85
CALIFORNIA BUSINESS MACHINES ADMIN 8/1-8/31/25 OVERAG 805.31 CALPORTLAND COMPANY CONCRTE,FIBER MESH-FOUNT 762.78
CARDOZA/ PAUL AUG PARK PLACE 2 LAWN MA 4,994.83
CENTRAL CAL WATERWORKS, INC RE-SAMPLING WELL 14,13,1 754.50 CLEAN CUT LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT AUG 2025 CITY PARK MAINT 6,915.00 CONSENSUS CLOUD SOLUTIONS EFAX SEP MAINTENANCE FEE 215.83 COUNTY OF TULARE JUL MAIL MONTHLY BILL 9,035.84
DATA TICKET, INC JUL CITATION PROCESSING 110.82
DELTA LIQUID ENERGY, ARRO AUTO MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL 20.01 EBM DESIGN GROUP INC PD REMODEL CONSTR ADMIN 1,200.00
ELITE CORPORATE MEDICAL SERV MEDICAL CLINIC FEE-53 2,782.50 EMPLOYER DRIVEN SOLUTIONS SEP 2025 CLAIMS 4,083.39
EXETER IRRIGATION & SUPPLY BLUE THREAD SEALANT,HALF 58.94 EXETER MERCANTILE CO. VALVE, PLATE, STOP LIGHT 3,246.70 EXETER MOTORS, INC. EMERG TRANSM REP-ENG 11 13,801.13
FP MAILING SOLUTIONS 9/15/25-12/14/25 POSTBAS 114.02
HPS WEST, INC 3" OCTAVE METER 5,487.80
JACK GRIGGS INC AUG 2025 GAS 9,987.45
JORGENSEN COMPANY FIRE EXT ANN MAINT-PD 1,634.49
LEAF CAPITAL FUNDING LLC ADMIN-SEP 2025 KYOCERA 477.21
LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE PERSONNEL MATTER 1,787.00
MAJOR LEAGUE PAINTING PRINTED/CUT DECALS 156.60
MCCORMICK KABOT JENNER & LEW MAY 25 LEGAL SERVICES 13,208.00 MINERAL KING PUBLISHING INC 9/3/25 PN1129-36 ORDIN 7 227.70 PACE SUPPLY CORP. TYPE K SOFT COPPER PIPE 5,564.48
PENA'S DISPOSAL INC CH AUG 2025 SHRED 66.80
QUAD KNOPF ENGINEERING 250008 25 GEN ENG SERV 37,680.84 ROBERT HALF INC SETTLEMENT COST-N.APPLEB 4,950.00
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY RAILROAD 10/1-9/30/26 PIPE LINE-C 3,912.71 SCHOTT/ HANNAH POST RECRDS CLERK-PER DI 320.00
SELF-HELP ENTERPRISES AUG 83-CDBG/STBG AT 7.25 1,119.50 SERVIAM BY WRIGHT LLP JUL 2025- 333 PALM 5,777.20
SIERRA SANITATION, INC 9/8-10/5/25 SCROTH PARK 1,345.70 SONIA DOWLING LINARES-BCKGRND INVESTIG 2,400.00
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON 0117- 8/8/25 - 9/8/25 1,070.53 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS CO. 7144- 8/1/25 - 9/1/25 16.35 TECHNICON ENGINEERING SERVICES PD REMODEL-SUBGRDE COMP 1,425.00 TRANSUNION RISK & ALTERNATIVE AUG 2025 PERSON SEARCH 75.00 UNITED RENTALS BLADE DI ASPHALT OR GREE 469.76
UNIVAR SOLUTIONS USA INC SEP SOD HYPO 1906 MYER 3,818.42 USA BLUEBOOK ASSEMBLY FOR A1 PUMPS 508.37
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
AVENU FINANCIAL SYSTEM CITY OF EXETER
9/19/2025 10:31:07 Payments for Publication GL335R-V08.22 PAGE Approved on 9/19/2025 for Payments Through 9/19/2025
Vendor Name Description Amount
VALLEY EXPETEC OCT MONTHLY BILLING 8,336.04
VALLEY UNIFORM CENTER UNIFORM ALTERATION-CARRA 177.90
WARREN & BAERG MANUFACTURING EMERGNCY REPAIR-WWTP 5,828.87 WATSON/ BRIDGET PADRES PITCH,HIT-PER DIE 258.00
WILLIAMS/ LISA JOYCE SHIELDS-BCKGRND INVESTIG 1,401.90
WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICES,INC OCT 2025 - 314 W FIREBAU 279.95 ** Final Totals... 178,869.08
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
AVENU FINANCIAL SYSTEM CITY OF EXETER
9/19/2025 10:31:07 Payments for Publication GL335R-V08.22 PAGE TOTAL NUMBER OF RECORDS PRINTED 298
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
AVENU FINANCIAL SYSTEM CITY OF EXETER
09/19/2025 10:31:07 Payments for Publication GL060S-V08.22 RECAPPAGE GL335R
FUND RECAP:
FUND DESCRIPTION DISBURSEMENTS
---- ----------------------------
104 GENERAL FUND 98,584.35
105 WATER FUND 32,245.26
106 SANITATION FUND 1,671.84
107 SEWER FUND 14,698.33
111 CDBG REVOLVING FUND 601.75
116 LOW/MODERATE HOUSING FUND 307.75
117 FTHB PROGRAM INCOME FUND 188.25
121 INSURANCE FUND 6,900.90
128 GRANTS 21.75
131 MEASURE R 12,012.03
140 LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTR 8,234.04
141 MEASURE P 3,402.83
TOTAL ALL FUNDS 178,869.08
BANK RECAP:
BANK NAME DISBURSEMENTS
---- ----------------------------
BANK BANK OF THE SIERRA 178,869.08
TOTAL ALL BANKS 178,869.08
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Agenda Item Staff Report
Meeting Date:
October 14, 2025
Wording for Agenda:
Approval of Payroll in the Amount of $88,332.27 for the Period of August 25, 2025, to September 7, 2025, with a Check Date of September 12, 2025.
Submitting Department:
Finance
Contact Name:
Eekhong Franco, Finance Director
Staff recommends that the City Council approve payroll in the amount of $88,332.27 for the pay period of August 25, 2025, to September 7, 2025, with a Check Date of September 7, 2025.
This item requests City Council approval of payroll expenditures incurred during the pay period of August 25, 2025, to September 7, 2025. Timely approval ensures the city remains compliant with labor obligations and continues uninterrupted compensation to employees.
The City of Exeter processes payroll on a biweekly basis. City Council approval is required for each payroll cycle as part of the city’s fiscal oversight procedures. The current payroll covers all regular full-time, part-time, and temporary employees for the specified pay period. • Total payroll amount: $88,332.27
• Funding source: Approved departmental salary budgets
• Budget implications: Payroll is within the adopted Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget; no additional funds are required.
For action by:
☒City Council
Regular Session:
☒Consent Calendar
☐Regular Item
☐Public Hearing
Review:
City Administrator
(Initials Required)
__J.R. __
Agenda Item Number: H.3.
Department Recommendation:
Summary:
Background:
Fiscal Impact:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Payroll approval is a standing item brought to the City Council regularly to ensure accountability and continuity of operations.
• Payroll Register for the period August 25, 2025, to September 7, 2025 I move to approve payroll in the amount of $88,332.27 for the Period of August 25, 2025, to September 7, 2025, with a Check Date of September 12, 2025.
Prior City Council Actions:
Attachments:
Recommended motion to be made by the City Council:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
PAYROLL........S BI-WEEKLY RUN-09/11/2025 09.43.45 PAGE 1 CHECK FORM..CHEK CHECK REGISTER PR311R-V14.24 Paymate
PERIOD 1 DATING 8/25/2025- 9/07/2025 CHECK DATE 9/12/2025
DIRECT DEPOSIT IS TURNED ON
CHECK CHECK EMPLOYEE/BANK/VENDOR CHECK
NUMBER AMOUNT NAME CODE SEQ
1747 63.69 CA STATE DISBURSEMENT UN 2 1 VENDOR CHECK
1748 60.95 RICH/RYLAN TATE 769 1
TOTALS FOR CHECK FORM: CHEK
NEGOTIABLE CHECKS COUNTS
60.95 *EMPLOYEE CHECKS 1
63.69 *VENDOR CHECKS 1
0.00 *BANK CHECKS 0
124.64 **TOTAL NEGOTIABLE CHECKS 2
OTHER CHECKS
0.00 *MANUAL CHECKS 0
0.00 *CANCELLED CHECKS 0
124.64 **TOTAL FOR CHECK FORM
NON-NEGOTIABLE CHECKS
0.00 *DIRECT DEPOSIT STUBS 0
0.00 *VENDOR DIR DEP STUBS 0
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
PAYROLL........S BI-WEEKLY RUN-09/11/2025 09.43.45 PAGE 2 CHECK FORM..STUB CHECK REGISTER PR311R-V14.24 Paymate
PERIOD 1 DATING 8/25/2025- 9/07/2025 CHECK DATE 9/12/2025
DIRECT DEPOSIT IS TURNED ON
CHECK CHECK EMPLOYEE/BANK/VENDOR CHECK
NUMBER AMOUNT NAME CODE SEQ
54035 175.50 CLOCEA 4 1 VENDOR STUB ONLY
54036 224.00 EXETER POLICE OFFICER AS 3 1 VENDOR STUB ONLY 54037 145.36 EXETER POLICE OFFICER AS 3A 1 VENDOR STUB ONLY 54038 2,228.50 ARIAS/CHRISTINA 730 1 STUB ONLY
54039 2,689.53 QUINTANA FRANCESCA N 742 1 STUB ONLY
54040 4,722.16 RIDENOUR/JASON CHARLES 763 1 STUB ONLY
54041 1,497.87 CARTER/AMY JO 502 1 STUB ONLY
54042 2,216.59 FRANCO/EEKHONG 304 1 STUB ONLY
54043 2,954.39 HERNANDEZ/XOCHITL 306 1 STUB ONLY
54044 1,870.30 MILLER/CATHEY RENE 734 1 STUB ONLY
54045 1,754.12 TOBIAS/ANTHONY JORDAN 746 1 STUB ONLY
54046 411.42 VEGA/ASHLEY MAKAYLA 753 1 STUB ONLY
54047 1,999.25 BROWN/ANDREW EUGENE 762 1 STUB ONLY
54048 2,375.26 BRYANT/EZRA JOSEPH 752 1 STUB ONLY
54049 1,705.32 CARRETERO/VANESSA 402 1 STUB ONLY
54050 3,080.71 GIEFER/MICHAEL DAVID 438 1 STUB ONLY
54051 2,009.77 GREEN GROVE/BRAYDEN TAY 767 1 STUB ONLY
54052 3,195.11 HEINKS/RYAN DAVID 765 1 STUB ONLY
54053 1,316.67 HILL/HANNAH GRACE 747 1 STUB ONLY
54054 3,544.65 MOORE/ROBERT HARRY 764 1 STUB ONLY
54055 2,360.58 PRIDEAUX/TRACI 448 1 STUB ONLY
54056 3,228.23 ROBLES JR/EVERARDO 744 1 STUB ONLY
54057 4,344.74 SCHIMPF/ROBERT BRIAN 766 1 STUB ONLY
54058 2,264.16 SHIELDS/ZION 708 1 STUB ONLY
54059 2,556.85 VILLARREAL/ISIDRO 707 1 STUB ONLY
54060 3,092.74 YARBER/ISABEL 422 1 STUB ONLY
54061 1,752.44 ALDRIDGE/GARY 618 1 STUB ONLY
54062 3,537.41 BOUDREAUX/ZACHARY MICHA 756 1 STUB ONLY
54063 2,166.17 ESPINOLA/DANIEL M 602 1 STUB ONLY
54064 32.74 GOLDSTROM/NORMAN 629 1 STUB ONLY
54065 1,914.05 HUGGINS/KYLE AARON 621 1 STUB ONLY
54066 2,108.31 RIVERA/RYAN 733 1 STUB ONLY
54067 783.05 WENDT/EDDIE 626 1 STUB ONLY
54068 182.85 ALANIZ/WYATT BLAIN 757 1 STUB ONLY
54069 304.75 BARSS/TYLER ANN 758 1 STUB ONLY
54070 304.75 BUCKLES/HUNTER DAVIN 770 1 STUB ONLY
54071 83.80 DOBBS/JACOB ALLEN 771 1 STUB ONLY
54072 1,602.05 GARVER/ELIJAH 712 1 STUB ONLY
54073 30.48 RUBIO/IVAN 750 1 STUB ONLY
54074 1,804.50 ARROYO/MARIE 623 1 STUB ONLY
54075 2,175.48 MILLAN/MARCUS 622 1 STUB ONLY
54076 1,528.31 QUIROZ/PATRICK P 512 1 STUB ONLY
54077 1,669.25 RAMIREZ/GABRIEL GRACILI 761 1 STUB ONLY
54078 1,502.43 RAMIREZ/JUAN 608 1 STUB ONLY
54079 1,446.26 CARRASCO/MICHAEL 759 1 STUB ONLY
54080 4,307.84 HIFNER/CHRISTOPHER 736 1 STUB ONLY
54081 1,006.93 O'SHAUGHNESSY/BRIDGET E 751 1 STUB ONLY
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
PAYROLL........S BI-WEEKLY RUN-09/11/2025 09.43.45 PAGE 3 CHECK FORM..STUB CHECK REGISTER PR311R-V14.24 Paymate
PERIOD 1 DATING 8/25/2025- 9/07/2025 CHECK DATE 9/12/2025
DIRECT DEPOSIT IS TURNED ON
CHECK CHECK EMPLOYEE/BANK/VENDOR CHECK
NUMBER AMOUNT NAME CODE SEQ
TOTALS FOR CHECK FORM: STUB
NEGOTIABLE CHECKS COUNTS
0.00 *EMPLOYEE CHECKS 0
0.00 *VENDOR CHECKS 0
0.00 *BANK CHECKS 0
0.00 **TOTAL NEGOTIABLE CHECKS 0
OTHER CHECKS
0.00 *MANUAL CHECKS 0
0.00 *CANCELLED CHECKS 0
0.00 **TOTAL FOR CHECK FORM
NON-NEGOTIABLE CHECKS
87,662.77 *DIRECT DEPOSIT STUBS 44
544.86 *VENDOR DIR DEP STUBS 3
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
PAYROLL........S BI-WEEKLY RUN-09/11/2025 09.43.45 PAGE 4 RECAP BY FUND CHECKS/STUBS/MANUAL/CANC'D PR311R-V14.24 Paymate PERIOD 1 DATING 8/25/2025- 9/07/2025 CHECK DATE 9/12/2025
EMPLOYER FUND HOME WORKED WORKED
CODE CODE TOTALS TOTALS DIR DEP
1 104 72,282.72 51,700.85 51,639.90
1 105 8,679.97 14,897.46 14,897.46
1 106 .00 1,019.88 1,019.88
1 107 .00 11,181.88 11,181.88
1 121 .00 2,162.62 2,162.62
1 141 6,761.03 6,761.03 6,761.03
NOTE--"HOME TOTALS" CHECK AMOUNT CAN BE RECONCILED TO THE FIGURES OF THE FOLLOWING REPORTS:
#1 CALCULATION TOTALS BY HOME FUND (NET PAY + REIMB. EXP.) #2 PAYROLL REGISTER (CHECK AMOUNT)
NOTE--"WORKED TOTALS" CHECK AMOUNT CAN BE RECONCILED TO THE FIGURES OF THE FOLLOWING REPORTS:
#1 CALCULATION TOTALS BY FUND WORKED (NET PAY + REIMB. EXP.) #2 LABOR DISTRIBUTION (NET PAY + REIMB. EXP.)
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
PAYROLL........S BI-WEEKLY RUN-09/11/2025 09.43.45 PAGE 5 RECAP BY DEPT CHECKS/STUBS/MANUAL/CANC'D PR311R-V14.24 Paymate PERIOD 1 DATING 8/25/2025- 9/07/2025 CHECK DATE 9/12/2025
EMR FUND DEPT HOME FULL PART TEMP FEMALE
CODE CODE CODE TOTALS EMPLOYEE COUNTS
1 104 402 ADMINISTRATION 9,640.19 3 2
1 104 403 FINANCE 10,704.69 4 1 1 5
1 104 421 POLICE 37,074.04 14 4
1 104 431 STREET 12,294.17 5 2
1 104 471 RECREATION 2,569.63 1 6 2
1 105 461 WATER 8,679.97 5 1
1 141 405 COMM SERVICE OFFICER 1,446.26 1
1 141 421 POLICE 4,307.84 1
1 141 471 RECREATION LEADER 1,006.93 1 1
TOTAL 87,723.72 35 9 1 15
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
PAYROLL........S BI-WEEKLY RUN-09/11/2025 09.43.45 PAGE 6 RECAP BY DEPT CHECKS/STUBS/MANUAL/CANC'D PR311R-V14.24 Paymate PERIOD 1 DATING 8/25/2025- 9/07/2025 CHECK DATE 9/12/2025
EMPLOYER FUND HOME WORKED WORKED
CODE CODE TOTALS TOTALS DIR DEP
GRAND TOTALS
NEGOTIABLE CHECKS COUNTS
60.95 *EMPLOYEE CHECKS 1
63.69 *VENDOR CHECKS 1
0.00 *BANK CHECKS 0
124.64 **TOTAL NEGOTIABLE CHECKS 2
OTHER CHECKS
0.00 *MANUAL CHECKS 0
0.00 *CANCELLED CHECKS 0
124.64 ***GRAND TOTAL
NON-NEGOTIABLE CHECKS
87,662.77 *DIRECT DEPOSIT STUBS 44
544.86 *VENDOR DIR DEP STUBS 3
88,207.63 **TOTAL NON-NEGOTIABLE CHECKS 47
NEGOTIABLE CHECKS/NON-NEGOTIABLE CHECKS
60.95 *EMPLOYEE CHECKS 1
63.69 *VENDOR CHECKS 1
0.00 *BANK CHECKS 0
87,662.77 *DIRECT DEPOSIT STUBS 44
544.86 *VENDOR DIR DEP STUBS 3
88,332.27 ***TOTAL NEGOTIABLE & NON-NEGOT 49
0.00 *OTHER CHECKS 0
88,332.27 ***TOTAL NEG, NON-NEG, OTHER CHECKS
TOTAL SEQ 1 FEMALES 15
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Agenda Item Staff Report
Meeting Date:
October 14, 2025
Wording for Agenda:
Acceptance of a Notice of Completion for Request for Bids (RFB)25-003 Downtown Streetlight Installation Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice with Tulare County Recorder’s Office.
Submitting Department:
Public Works
Contact Name:
Zach Boudreaux, Director of Public Works
Staff recommend that the City Council accept a Notice of Completion for RFB 25-003 Downtown Streetlight Installation Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the notice with Tulare County Recorder’s Office.
An RFB for the Installation for new streetlights in the downtown area was released for competitive bid on July 15, 2025. At its regularly scheduled meeting on August 12, 2025, the Exeter City Council awarded the contract to the lowest bidder GBI Electric, Inc of Panorama, CA and authorized the City Administrator to execute an agreement with them for the installation of new streetlights in the downtown area. The contract amount was $76,770.00 with a contingency amount of $7,677.00 and an allocation of $7,677.00 for project management and inspection services.
All work has been completed by the Contractor per the specifications outlined in the agreement and there were no change orders on the project.
Filing a Notice of Completion (NOC) with the Tulare County Recorder’s Office is required to officially document the completion of the project. The filing establishes the completion date, starts the statutory period for any subcontractor or supplier lien claims, and allows for the timely release of retention funds to the Contractor.
For action by:
☒City Council
Regular Session:
☒Consent Calendar
☐Regular Item
☐Public Hearing
Review:
City Administrator
(Initials Required)
__J.R.__
Agenda Item Number: H.4.
Department Recommendation:
Summary/Background:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
$76,770.00 funded from TCAG’s Transportation Authority-Measure R Funds.
On July 15, 2025, the RFB for the Streetlight Installation Project was released and on August 12, 2025, it was awarded to GBI Electric, Inc of Panorama, CA in the amount of $76,770.00. • Notice of Completion (NOC)
I move to accept a Notice of Completion for Request for Bids (RFB)25-003 Downtown Streetlight Installation Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice with Tulare County Recorder’s Office.
Fiscal Impact:
Prior City Council Actions:
Attachments:
Recommended motion to be made by the City Council:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
(“President of,” “Manager of,” “A partner of,” “Owner of,” etc.)
RECORDING REQUESTED BY
AND WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:
Name
Street
Address
City &
State
SPACE ABOVE THIS LINE FOR RECORDER’S USE ONLY
NOTICE OF COMPLETION
Notice is hereby given that:
1. The undersigned is owner or corporate officer of the owner of the interest or estate stated below in the property hereinafter described:
2. The full name of the owner is
3. The full address of the owner is
4. The nature of the interest or estate of the owner is in fee. (If other than fee, strike “in Fee” and insert, for example, “purchaser under contract of purchase,” or “lessee”)
5. The full names and full addresses of all persons, if any, who hold title with the undersigned as joint tenants or as tenants in common are:
NAMES ADDRESSES
6. A work of improvement on the property hereinafter described was completed on . The work done was:
7. The name of the contractor, if any, for such work of improvement was (If no contractor for work of improvement as a whole, insert “none”) (Date of Contract)
8. The property on which said work of improvement was completed is in the city of , County of , State of California, and is described as follows:
9. The street address of said property is
(If no street address has been officially assigned, insert “none”) Dated:
Signature of owner of corporate officer of owner
named in paragraph 2 or his agent
VERIFICATION
I, the undersigned, say: I am the the declarant of the foregoing notice of completion; I have read said notice of completion and know the contents thereof; the same is true of my own knowledge.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on , 20 , at , California.
(Date of signature) (City where signed)
(Personal signature of the individual who is swearing that the contents of the notice of completion are true)
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Agenda Item Staff Report
Meeting Date:
October 14, 2025
Wording for Agenda:
Approval of the Purchase of 510 Tons of Compost from Mid Valley Disposal of Kerman, CA in the Amount of $16,563.18 as Required Under Senate Bill (SB) 1383 to Meet the City of Exeter’s 2025 Procurement Target.
Submitting Department:
Public Works
Contact Name:
Marie Arroyo, Senior Administrative Assistant
Staff recommend that the City Council approve the purchase of 510 tons of compost from Mid Valley Disposal of Kerman, CA in the amount of $16,563.18 as required under SB 1383 to meet the 2025 procurement target.
Senate Bill (SB) 1383, the Organics Recycling Law, took effect on January 1, 2022, requiring all California cities to reduce organic waste disposal and purchase recovered organic waste products. The City of Exeter is required to comply and based on the formula set by the State of California, the procurement target is based on 0.08 tons of organic waste per jurisdiction population per year.
The law established phased procurement goals—30% by 2023, 65% by the end of 2024, and full 100% compliance by the end of 2025. For the City of Exeter, this equates to an annual purchase requirement of approximately 510 tons of compost ($16,563.18) or 880 tons of mulch ($21,670.00). Based on past experience, community feedback has shown a strong preference for compost over mulch.
SB 1383 further mandates that local agencies provide food recycling services for residents and businesses, conduct inspections, enforce compliance, and support edible food recovery programs. As part of these requirements, cities must “buy back” a portion of the compost For action by:
☒City Council
Regular Session:
☒Consent Calendar
☐Regular Item
☐Public Hearing
Review:
City Administrator
(Initials Required)
__J.R.___
Agenda Item Number: H.5.
Department Recommendation:
Summary/Background:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
created from the organics collected within city limits. Exeter intends to utilize the compost for City projects and to offer it free of charge to residents as part of the City’s compliance strategy.
The $16,563.18 cost associated with this action includes procurement of 510 tons of compost, hauler delivery fees and all applicable taxes which will be appropriated from the refuse fund.
In 2024, the City Council approved the purchase of 310 tons of compost in the amount of $10,644.88.
• Mid Valley Disposal Invoice
I move to approve the purchase of 510 tons of compost from Mid Valley Disposal of Kerman, CA in the amount of $16,563.18 as required under Senate Bill (SB) 1383 to meet the City of Exeter’s 2025 procurement target.
Fiscal Impact:
Prior City Council Actions:
Attachments:
Recommended motion to be made by the City Council:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Bill To:
9/23/25
Account Number 73185700
3318054
Invoice Date
Invoice Number
$16,858.25
Account Summary
Current Invoice Activity
Pay This Amount
INVOICE/STATEMENT
"Locally Owned and Operated"
MVD MRF OUTBOUND
RECYCLING & TRANSFER STATION
PO Box 12227 - Fresno, CA 93777
Phone: 559-843-2467
www.midvalleydisposal.com
$16,563.18
EXETER CITY
ATTN: MARIE ARROYO
-------------PLEASE DETACH HERE AND RETURN ABOVE PORTION WITH YOUR PAYMENT.---------- Date Description Reference Job PO Quantity Unit $: Subtotal EXETER, CA 93221
PO BOX 237
Sept 2025 Procurement
Site/Service Location: 73185700 / EXETER CITY COMPOST / COMPOST-EXETER / EXETER, CA 93221 9/23/25 FREIGHT procurement 25.00 $275.00 $6,875.00
9/23/25 O-COMPOST 3/8 procurement 510.00 $18.00 $9,180.00 9/23/25 MISC procurement tax 1.00 $803.25 $803.25
As Of Current 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days Total
9/23/25 $16,858.25 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $16,563.18
*3318054*
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Agenda Item Staff Report
Meeting Date:
October 14, 2025
Wording for Agenda:
Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services
Agreement for Contract Services for the City of Exeter’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Distribution System with Central Cal Waterworks Inc. extending contracted services through January 31, 2026.
Submitting Department:
Public Works
Contact Name:
Zachary Boudreaux, Director of Public Works
Staff recommend that the City Council approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement for Contract Services for the City of Exeter’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Distribution System with Central Cal Waterworks Inc. extending contracted services through January 31, 2026, and granting City Administrator authority to execute any documents thereto to continue uninterrupted service for the community.
The City of Exeter contracts with Central Cal Waterworks (CCW) for water and wastewater operation. The existing contract term was from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2025. Since the expiration of the contract term, CCW has continued to operate on a month-to-month basis.
Staff recommends that the existing contract be extended to January 31, 2026. This will allow staff time to evaluate the services and recommend a plan of action moving forward.
For action by:
☒City Council
Regular Session:
☒Consent Calendar
☐Regular Item
☐Public Hearing
Review:
City Administrator
(Initials Required)
__J.R.__
Agenda Item Number: H.6.
Department Recommendation:
Summary:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
The City of Exeter drinking water and wastewater operations are performed by a contractor, Central Cal Waterworks (CCW). The City of Exeter has contracted with CCW since 2017. The City of Exeter’s water distribution system is classified as a D3 system which requires that someone with a minimum of a Water Distribution Operator 3 (D3) certificate act as the Chief Operator.
In 2013, the State Water Resources Control Board re-classified the City’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) from a Class II to a Class III. The re-classification changed the minimum operator certification requirement from a Grade II to a Grade III.
Until September of 2014, the City employed an in-house Chief Operator who held the state required certifications for both the WWTP and the Water Distribution System. That operator, who held a D3 certification in water and a Grade II in Wastewater retired prior to the compliance deadline. After the in-house Chief Operator’s retirement, the City hired a private contractor to serve as its contact Chief Operator for both the WWTP and the Water Distribution System. The contractor held all of the required certifications and, as a former City of Exeter employee, was very familiar with the City’s water system and WWTP. After serving as the City’s contract Chief Operator for three years, the contractor resigned in October of 2017.
As the City of Exeter system operator, CCW performs routine sampling and required state reporting of results and system information. The City of Exeter currently doesn’t have staff that have both required state certifications to operate the water and wastewater systems.
The City of Exeter pays CCW $17,084.50 per month, paid from the water and sewer funds. This cost would remain the same through January 31, 2025.
On October 24, 2017, the Council authorized the execution of an initial agreement with Central Cal Waterworks, Inc. for Contract Chief Operator services for the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Distribution System.
On May 22, 2018, the City Council authorized an amendment to the initial agreement.
On March 22, 2022, the City Council authorized the City Administrator to enter into the current agreement with Central Cal Waterworks, Inc. for Contract Chief Operator services for the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Distribution System. • Professional Services Agreement for Contract Chief Operator Services for the City of Exeter’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Distribution System – Executed April • Addendum No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement for Contract Chief Operator Services for the City of Exeter’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Distribution System
Background:
Fiscal Impact:
Prior City Council Actions:
Attachments:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
I move to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement for Contract Services for the City of Exeter’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Distribution System with Central Cal waterworks Inc. through January 31, 2026, and granting City Administrator authority to execute any documents thereto.
Recommended motion to be made by the 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
1 AMENDMENT NO.1 TO
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACT SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF EXETER’S
WASTEWATER TREATEMENT PLANT AND WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM This Amendment is entered into this ____ day of _________, 2025, by and between CENTRAL CAL WATERWORKS, INC. (“CONSULTANT”) and THE CITY OF EXETER (“CITY”), amending the Professional Services Agreement entered into on April 1, 2022.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Revised Term. Paragraph II. of the Professional Services Agreement is hereby revised and amended to extend the expiration date of the Service Agreement to January 31, 2026.
2. Joint Preparation. This Amendment is deemed to have been prepared jointly by the Parties. Any uncertainty or ambiguity regarding the provisions of this Amendment shall not be interpreted against any Party as a drafter of such document, but shall be resolved by application of all other principles of law regarding interpretation of contracts.
3. Controlling Document; No Other Amendment. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Amendment and the Professional Services Agreement, the terms of this Amendment shall control. Except as amended by this Amendment, all terms of the Professional Services Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
2. Counterparts. This Amendment may be signed by the Parties in different counterparts and the signature pages combined to create one document binding on both Parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the day and year first above written.
CITY OF EXETER
By: ________________________________
Name: ______________________________
Title: _______________________________
CENTRAL CAL WATERWORKS INC.
By: ________________________________
Name: ______________________________
Title: _______________________________
Approved as to Form:
_________________________________
City Attorney
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Agenda Item Staff Report
Meeting Date:
October 14, 2025
Wording for Agenda:
Quarterly Update of the Internal Review for City of Exeter Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment Districts (LLMADs).
Submitting Department:
Finance
Contact Name:
Eekhong Franco, Finance Director
Staff recommend that City Council receive a quarterly update of the Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment Districts internal review as requested at the July 22, 2025, City Council meeting.
On July 22, 2025, the City Council requested a future item of quarterly updates on the status of the Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment Districts (LLMADs) staff review. Finance Department Staff have begun an internal review of the Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment Districts. The Finance Department is actively reviewing prior years expenditure and revenue reports. Retrieving past documentation has proven challenging as staff must access physical copies to verify that expenses were reported accurately. Despite challenges, staff is committed to this review and is working diligently to provide timely updates to City Council.
Before beginning an internal review on prior years reports, staff recognized that modifications were needed to ease the process of tracking expenditures and creating reports for review. Staff restructured the way expenditures are allocated for LLMADs expenses. As of July 1, 2025, ledgers have been designed for expenditures to be allocated to their own district ledger account. Now, each district’s expenditures are tracked under categories such as utilities, professional services, water, and special projects. This will assist with the tracking and reporting of expenditures by district. Additionally, staff are evaluating revenue distribution reports from For action by:
☒City Council
Regular Session:
☒Consent Calendar
☐Regular Item
☐Public Hearing
Review:
City Administrator
(Initials Required)
__J.R.___
Agenda Item Number: H.7.
Department Recommendation:
Summary/Background:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Tulare County to verify which district revenue fund belongs to. Staff has downloaded distribution summaries from Tulare County website and have begun sorting by each district.
Along with restructuring LLMADs expense and revenue accounts, staff is now in process of reviewing prior records and confirming details previously presented. Starting off with Fiscal Year 2020/21, staff have begun diligently reviewing expenditures. Staff was able to confirm monthly contract costs were reported accurately on LLMADs summary spreadsheet which was used to gather data for annual engineer reports. Categories remaining for review are electricity, water, and special projects that may have occurred. After confirming expenses, staff will evaluate the findings with the engineer reports.
None associated with this action.
On July 22, 2025, the City Council provided direction to begin an internal review of the LLMADs.
None.
No action needed to be made by the City Council. This is an informational item only.
Fiscal Impact:
Prior City Council Actions:
Attachments:
Recommended motion to be made by the City Council:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Agenda Item Staff Report
Meeting Date:
October 14, 2025
Wording for Agenda:
Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-42, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Exeter Accepting State Transit Assistance (STA) Credit and State of Good Repair (SGR) Credit from the Tulare County Regional Transit Agency (TCRTA).
Submitting Department:
Administration
Contact Name:
Jason Ridenour, City Administrator
Staff respectfully recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-42, accepting a State Transit Assistance (STA) credit in the amount of $417,222.20 and a State of Good Repair (SGR) credit in the amount of $44,001.50 from the Tulare County Regional Transit Agency (TCRTA) as a correction to the fiscal year 2024/25 allocation.
The Transportation Development Act (TDA) was passed in 1971 and provides transit funding for local agencies from the Local Transportation Fund (LTF) and the State Transit Assistance (STA) Fund. The STA Fund is derived from a statewide sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuels and augmented by funds received via SB 1 to fund transit operations. The State of Good Repair (SGR) Program provides funding for eligible transit maintenance, rehabilitation and capital projects. The Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) approves the apportionments, accounting for transfer agreements between agencies, for transit services for each fiscal year.
The Tulare County Regional Transit Agency (TCRTA), in coordination with the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG), discovered that TCRTA claimed fiscal year 2024/25 State Transit Assistance (STA) funds and State of Good Repair (SGR) funds that are intended for the operation of transit services. TCRTA claimed STA funds and SGR on behalf of the City of Exeter, despite not directly providing fixed-route transit services to the City beyond a TCAG-funded For action by:
☒City Council
Regular Session:
☒Consent Calendar
☐Regular Item
☐Public Hearing
Review:
City Administrator
(Initials Required)
__J.R.__
Agenda Item Number: H.8.
Department Recommendation:
Summary/Background:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
microtransit pilot program. Transit services for the City of Exeter are provided by the City of Visalia.
To correct the error, TCAG and TCRTA developed a mechanism to return the misallocated funds and properly credit the City of Exeter. These funds are now being reallocated to the City of Exeter and must be used exclusively for transit purposes in accordance with the Transportation Development Act and applicable state and federal guidelines. The proposed resolution will credit the City of Exeter with $417,222.20 in STA funds and $44,001.50 in SGR funds.
The acceptance of these credits will allow the City to apply the funds toward eligible transitrelated expenses. The STA credit will be transferred from TCRTA to TCAG and recorded as a credit to the City’s STA fund. The SGR credit will be similarly recorded for use on future eligible expenditures. Adoption of this resolution ensures the City’s compliance with TCAG's TDA claim process and formally acknowledges receipt of these credits. Staff will bring forth a future draft resolution of concurrence to transfer LTF and STA funds to the City of Visalia for the operation of transit services within the City of Exeter and LTF funds to TCRTA for the City’s share in the administrative cost associated with the microtransit pilot project.
The City of Exeter will receive a credit of $417,222.20 in STA funds that can be utilized to fund transit operations within the City and $44,001.50 in SGR funds towards eligible transit maintenance, rehabilitation and capital projects related to the operation of transit services in the City.
None associated with this action.
• Resolution 2025-42
I move to adopt Resolution No. 2025-42, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Exeter Accepting the fiscal year 2025 State Transit Assistance (STA) and State of Good Repair (SGR) credit from the Tulare County Regional Transit Agency.
Fiscal Impact:
Prior City Council Actions:
Attachments:
Recommended motion to be made by the City Council:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-42
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EXETER, TULARE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING THE FY 2025 STATE TRANSIT ASSISTANCE (STA) CREDIT AND STATE OF GOOD
REPAIR (SGR) CREDIT FROM THE TULARE COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSIT AGENCY WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 66500 et seq., the Tulare County Association of Governments ("TCAG") is the regional transportation planning agency for Tulare County; and
WHEREAS, the Mills-Alquist-Deddeh Act ("Transportation Development Act" or "TDA"), Public Utilities Code Section 99200 et seq., makes certain retail sales tax revenues available to eligible claimants for public transportation projects and purposes; and WHEREAS, TCAG is responsible for the allocation of TDA funds to eligible claimants within the Tulare County region; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No.2024-039, TCAG requires a resolution of concurrence from each local agency contributing to the proposed TDA claim for operating/capital transit project (s).
WHEREAS, the Tulare County Regional Transit Agency (TCRTA), in coordination with the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG), identified an oversight in the FY 2024 State Transit Assistance (STA) fund allocations in which STA and SGR funds were erroneously claimed on behalf of the City of EXETER; and
WHEREAS, TCRTA does not provide direct transit services to the City of Exeter, other than through a TCAG-funded Microtransit pilot program; and WHEREAS, TCRTA and TCAG have developed a mechanism to return the STA/SGR funds to TCAG’s STA/SGR account and reallocate those funds appropriately for eligible transit use in FY 2025 and beyond; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to this correction, the City of Exeter is eligible to receive the following credit adjustments:
• STA Credit: $417,222.20
• SGR Credit: $44,001.50
WHEREAS, these funds are to be used exclusively for eligible transit purposes in accordance with the Transportation Development Act (TDA) and STA program guidelines; and October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
WHEREAS, the STA Credit will be transferred by TCRTA to TCAG and recorded as a credit to the City of Exeter’s STA fund, and the SGR Credit will be similarly recorded for future eligible expenditures; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to formally accept these credits and authorize their use for transit-related expenses in FY 2025;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Exeter as follows:
1. The City Exeter Council hereby accepts the STA Credit of $417,222.20 and the SGR Credit of $44,001.50 from the Tulare County Regional Transit Agency as a correction to the FY 2025 STA allocation.
2. These credits shall be applied toward eligible transit expenditures in Fiscal Year 2024– 2025 and beyond in accordance with the 2024 TCAG TDA Claims Manual.
3. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to coordinate with TCAG and TCRTA to ensure proper allocation and expenditure of these funds.
4. A copy of this resolution shall be submitted to TCAG as part of the FY 2025 Transportation Development Act (TDA) claim process.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Exeter this 14th day of October 2025 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
____________________
Jacob Johnson, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Francesca Quintana, City Clerk
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Agenda Item Staff Report
Meeting Date:
October 14, 2025
Wording for Agenda:
Consider Appointments of Committee Members for the
Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee.
Submitting Department:
Administration
Contact Name:
Francesca Quintana, City Clerk/Human Resources Manager
Staff recommends that the City Council review the applications submitted for the Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee and provide direction on appointments. Council may choose to:
• Appoint one or more applicants to fill the four, four-year term positions or • Provide alternate direction to staff regarding the appointment process.
The City Council directed staff to advertise and open the application process for the four expired terms on the Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee. The application period closed on October 3, 2025. Four applications for appointment were received prior to the closing of the application period.
By the deadline, four applications were submitted from the following individuals:
1) Brittney Shull
2) Lisa Lentz
3) Patricia Thompson
4) PK Whitmire
Council is requested to review these applications and provide direction on appointments or take alternate action.
For action by:
☒City Council
Regular Session:
☐Consent Calendar
☒Regular Item
☐Public Hearing
Review:
City Administrator
(Initials Required)
_J.R.___
Agenda Item Number: I.1.
Department Recommendation:
Summary:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
On November 3, 2020, Exeter voters approved Measure P, a 1 percent transactions and use tax, with 69.78% approval. Ordinance No. 694 imposed the tax and directed revenues to support essential City services including police, street maintenance, park maintenance, and youth recreational programs.
To ensure transparency, Council adopted Resolution 2021-01 establishing the Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee. The committee reviews revenues and expenditures related to Measure P and provides recommendations to Council regarding alignment with community priorities.
The committee consists of seven members serving four-year terms, appointed by Council majority vote. Four members’ terms expired at the end of January 2025. Following Council direction, the application process was opened to solicit interest from new and prior members, resulting in four submitted applications.
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this action.
Appointments to the Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee were most recently made on April 25, 2023.
Council directed staff to open the application process on August 26, 2025. • Resolution No. 2021-01
• Current Roster of Measure P Committee Members
• Submitted Applications
Council may choose from the following actions:
• I move to appoint ___________________________ to the Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee for a four-year term ending January 2029.
• I move to provide alternate direction to staff regarding appointments to the Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee.
Background:
Fiscal Impact:
Prior City Council Actions:
Attachments:
Recommended motion to be made by the 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
Measure P Oversight Committee Roster
Name Term Ending
1 Jennifer Dunlap Jan-25
2 Patricia Thompson Jan-25
3 Mary Barker Jan-25
4 Steve Garver Jan-25
5 William Stimple Jan-27
6 Veronica Casanova Jan-27
7 Troy Kadin Jan-27
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
City of Exeter | PO Box 237 Exeter California 93221 | (559)592-9244 | https://cityofexeter.gov City of Exeter Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee Application Completed applications must be submitted to the Exeter City Clerk by 5:00 PM on October 3, 2025. Applications may be submitted in person at City Hall located at 137 N F St. in Exeter California or via email to the City Clerk at [email protected].
Applicant Information
Name: Date:
Address:
Email: Phone Number:
Application Questions
Briefly explain why you are interested in serving on the Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee.
Briefly explain your qualifications or area of demonstrated expertise to serve on the Committee.
Disclaimer and Signature
I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I hereby certify my commitment to serve on the Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee if appointed.
Signature Date
Brittney Shull 09/08/2025 I am interested in serving on the Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee because I believe in accountability, transparency, and ensuring our community thrives. As a local business owner, Realtor, and community leader, I understand how public funds impact families, businesses, and long-term growth. With two decades of experience in Real Estate, I bring attention to detail, fairness, and a strong understanding of fiscal responsibility. I would be honored to contribute my perspective to ensure Measure P funds are spent wisely and reflect the needs of our community. I bring 20 years of experience in Real Estate, where Ive managed complex transactions, budgets, and negotiations that require both precision and accountability. As a business owner, I have built several businesses, teams, overseen contracts, and organized large-scale events, all rely on strong financial and organizational skills. My work has always centered around transparency, fairness, and ensuring people feel seen and supported. 09/08/2025 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
Agenda Item Staff Report
Meeting Date:
October 14, 2025
Wording for Agenda:
Consider City Council Meeting Schedule Adjustments for
November and December 2025.
Submitting Department:
Administration
Contact Name:
Jason Ridenour, City Administrator
Staff recommend that the City Council review the proposed meeting schedule adjustments for November and December 2025 and provide direction regarding:
• Rescheduling or canceling the November 11, 2025, meeting (Veterans Day); • Confirmation on canceling the second November meeting on November 25, 2025 (Thanksgiving week); and
• Confirmation on canceling the second December meeting on December 23, 2025 (Christmas week) or maintaining the regular schedule.
The City Council’s regularly scheduled meetings take place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Due to upcoming holidays, staff requests Council direction regarding meeting adjustments for November and December 2025.
November 2025:
• The first regularly scheduled City Council meeting falls on November 11, 2025, which is Veterans Day. Council may choose to cancel this meeting, reschedule it for an alternate date, or provide direction to schedule a special meeting if needed. • The second meeting of November is scheduled for November 25, which falls during Thanksgiving week. Historically, this meeting has been canceled. The City Council is asked to confirm if they wish to continue this practice for 2025.
For action by:
☒City Council
Regular Session:
☐Consent Calendar
☒Regular Item
☐Public Hearing
Review:
City Administrator
(Initials Required)
__J.R.___
Agenda Item Number: I.2.
Department Recommendation:
Summary:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
December 2025:
• The first regularly scheduled meeting is December 9, 2025, which will occur as usual. • The second scheduled meeting is December 23, 2025, which falls during the Christmas holiday week. Historically, this meeting has been canceled. Council is asked to confirm whether they wish to cancel this meeting again in 2025.
Maintaining a consistent meeting schedule is important for public participation and administrative planning. However, adjustments are periodically necessary during major holidays to accommodate availability and community attendance. Council has historically canceled the second November and December meetings to avoid conflicts with Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this action.
In past years, Council has canceled the second meetings in November and December due to holiday observances.
• November – December 2025 Calendar
Council may consider one or more of the following motions:
• I move to cancel the November 11, 2025, City Council meeting (Veterans Day). • I move to reschedule the November 11, 2025, City Council meeting to ____________________.
• I move to cancel the second November 2025 City Council meeting scheduled for November 25 (Thanksgiving week).
• I move to cancel the second December 2025 City Council meeting scheduled for December 23 (Christmas week).
• I move to schedule a special meeting at a later date as needed for November or December 2025.
Background:
Fiscal Impact:
Prior City Council Actions:
Attachments:
Recommended motion to be made by the City Council:
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
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October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Agenda Item Staff Report
Meeting Date:
October 14, 2025
Wording for Agenda:
Consider Comprehensive Updates to Title 6 of the City of Exeter Municipal Code (Animals).
Submitting Department:
City Attorney
Contact Name:
Julia Lew, City Attorney
Department Recommendation:
City Staff recommends that the City Council review the attached draft comprehensive changes, provide direction and feedback, and authorize the scheduling of a public hearing for a future meeting to consider and give first reading to an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Title 6 of the City of Exeter Municipal Code (Animals).
Summary:
This Ordinance repeals and replaces Title 6, Animals (Chapters 6.04–6.16) of the Exeter Municipal Code and adds new Chapters 6.20, 6.22, 6.24, and 6.28. The update modernizes the City’s animal control laws, keeps local regulations aligned with state law, promotes humane treatment, and strengthens enforcement authority for public health and safety.
Background:
The majority of the animal control regulations currently in effect were adopted in 1973, with the regulations governing dangerous/vicious animals adopted or revised on or about 2010. The regulations heavily relied upon and incorporated a Tulare County Ordinance that is no longer in effect – Tulare County made comprehensive revisions to and has also renumbered its regulations, rendering many of the City’s regulations difficult to follow or interpret.
The City of Exeter contracts with the City of Visalia for animal control and sheltering services, and per the terms of that services contract needs to review and made changes to its regulations. Exeter must adopt regulations that are consistent with Visalia’s requirements for For action by:
☒City Council
Regular Session:
☐Consent Calendar
☒Regular Item
☐Public Hearing
Review:
City Administrator
(Initials Required)
__J.R.___
Agenda Item Number: I.3.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
spaying/neutering as a condition of a dog or cat’s release from the Shelter, and must ensure the authority of a contracting entity to issue citations to enforce certain code enforcement violations such as leash requirements and excessive noise. Furthermore, the City’s regulations should be compatible with Visalia’s requirements for the impoundment of dangerous/vicious dogs, animal licensing requirements and fees, and commercial kennel and breeding. Visalia’s relatively recently revised regulations also provided a template for the other updates needed for Exeter, as a springboard for Council discussion and consideration.
The following is a summary of the proposed Ordinance:
Chapter 6.04 – General Provisions
- Establishes definitions for key terms (e.g., “dangerous animal,” “Poundmaster,” “animal control officer”).
- Creates the office of Poundmaster and sets responsibilities for animal shelter operations and recordkeeping.
- Grants animal control officers authority to enter property, impound animals, and issue citations.
- Provides for administrative and criminal penalties for violations.
Chapter 6.08 – Animal Protection and Control
- Prohibits cruelty, neglect, and abandonment of animals. - Requires proper restraint of animals; bans wild or exotic pets. - Declares nuisance animals (e.g., excessive barking, at-large dogs) unlawful. - Provides for the designated off-leash dog park at 136 S.F. Street with safety rules. - Prohibits keeping honeybees during summer months due to nuisance potential. - Clarifies protections for service animals and police canines.
Chapter 6.12 – Dogs and Cats
- Limits ownership to four dogs/cats total per residence (with limited exceptions). - Requires licensing, rabies vaccination, and microchipping of all dogs and cats over four months old.
- Sets license fees, delinquency penalties, and exemptions for service or law enforcement animals.
- Mandates spay/neuter compliance for shelter adoptions and releases.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
Chapter 6.16 – Dangerous or Vicious Animals
- Establishes the formal hearing and appeal process for determining whether an animal is dangerous.
- Authorizes impoundment and humane destruction of dangerous or vicious animals. - Allows provisional licensing and mandatory training when attacks result from negligent handling.
- Makes it a misdemeanor to maintain a dangerous animal.
Chapter 6.20 – Rabies Control
- Adopts state rabies control laws (Health & Safety Code §§121575–121710). - Requires reporting, isolation, and quarantine of animals showing symptoms or biting a person.
- Makes violation of quarantine orders unlawful.
Chapter 6.22 – Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program for Feral and Community Cats - Authorizes a city-supported TNR program to humanely reduce feral cat populations. - Defines “community cats,” “caretakers,” and “ear-tipping.” - Exempts TNR cats from abandonment and licensing laws. - Protects ear-tipped cats and encourages responsible feeding practices.
Chapter 6.24 – Impoundment Procedures
- Details the process for impounding, reclaiming, adopting, or disposing of animals. - Sets notice, fee, and humane care requirements.
- Requires the Poundmaster to accept stray or abandoned animals and manage shelter operations.
Chapter 6.28 – Commercial Animal Establishments
- Establishes licensing, permitting, and operational standards for all animal-related businesses in the City of Exeter, including pet shops, kennels, and breeders. - Requires inspection and approval by the Poundmaster prior to issuance of any business license and allows suspension for violations.
- Mandates kennel permits for properties housing five or more dogs or cats, restricts new kennel permits after January 1, 2026, and requires breeder permits for anyone producing more than one litter per year for sale or profit.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
- Prohibits advertising animal sales without a valid permit number, mandates vaccination and humane conditions for all animals sold, and requires monthly record and vaccination reporting to the Poundmaster.
- Collectively, these provisions strengthen public health safeguards, ensure humane treatment, and promote responsible animal commerce within the city.
Fiscal Impact:
It is not expected that the changes would cause a substantial change to the current budget, and it is possible the City would see some savings given the provisions to adopt updated fees to cover fees and costs for dangerous animal administrative hearings and associated care of impounded animals costs.
Prior Council/Board Actions:
None associated with this action.
Attachments:
• Title 6 Animals of Municipal Code
• Redline of Draft Proposed Ordinance
• Clean Draft Proposed Ordinance
• Agreement with City of Visalia for Animal Control Services Recommended motion to be made by the City Council:
I move to authorize the setting of a public hearing for a future meeting, to consider first reading of an Ordinance repealing and replacing Title 6 of the Exeter Code of Ordinances (Animals).
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
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Title 6 - ANIMALS
CHAPTER 6.04. - ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCES
Sections:
6.04.010 - Generally.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 30501 of the Food and Agricultural Code of the state, the city council does designate the police department of the city, or any other municipality or nonprofit corporation which is authorized and empowered by law to do so, as the council may, from time to time, designate upon the execution of appropriate written agreements, to apply and enforce the provisions of Chapter 4 of Part IV of the Ordinance Code of Tulare County and the provisions of this chapter, within the city. (Ord. 369 §1, 1978; Ord. 537 §1, 1994)
6.04.020 - Adopted.
All of the provisions of Chapter 4 of Part IV of the County Ordinance Code, as last amended by County Ordinance 2081, are referred to, adopted as a city ordinance, and made a part of this chapter with the same effect as if fully set forth in this chapter, and all of the provisions thereof shall be applicable within the boundaries of the city.
(Ord. 369 §2, 1978)
6.04.030 - Violation—Penalty.
Any person violating any of the provisions of Sections 4451, 4452 and 4475 of said Chapter 4 of Part IV of the County Ordinance Code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Any person violating any of the provisions of Section 4430 of said Chapter 4 of Part IV of the County Ordinance Code shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be punished upon a first conviction by a fine not less than ten dollars and not exceeding fifty dollars, and for a second conviction within a period of one year by a fine not less than ten dollars and not exceeding one hundred dollars, and for a third or any subsequent conviction within one year by a fine not less than ten dollars and not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars.
Any person violating any of the provisions of Section 4439 of said Chapter 4 of Part IV of the County Ordinance Code shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be punished upon a first conviction by a fine not less than five dollars and not exceeding fifty dollars, and for a second 10/9/25, 10:55 PM Exeter, CA Municipal Code
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conviction within a period of one year by a fine not less than five dollars and not exceeding one hundred dollars, and for a third or any subsequent conviction within one year by a fine not less than five dollars and not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars.
Any person violating any of the provisions of said Chapter 4 of Part IV of the County Ordinance Code, other than Sections 4430, 4439, 4451, 4452 and 4475, shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be punishable upon a first conviction by a fine not exceeding fifty dollars, and for a second conviction of the same provisions within a period of one year by a fine of not exceeding one hundred dollars, and for a third or any subsequent conviction of the same provision within a period of one year by a fine of not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars. (Ord. 369 §3, 1978)
CHAPTER 6.08. - DOG CONTROL
Sections:
Footnotes:
--- (1) ---
State Law reference— Provisions authorizing cities to impose an annual license fee on dogs, Gov. Code §38792; Regulation and licensing of dogs, Food and Agric. Code §30501 et seq.; Rabies control, Health and Safety Code §1900 et seq.
6.08.010 - Short title.
The ordinance codified in this chapter shall be known as the "Dog Ordinance." (Ord. 297 §1.01, 1973)
6.08.020 - General provisions.
Whenever any reference is made to any portion of this chapter, such reference applies to all amendments and additions thereto hereafter made.
Whenever any reference is made to any portion of Chapter 6.04 adopting by reference that portion of the County Ordinance Code concerning the licensing and control of dogs and control of rabies, such reference applies to all amendments and additions to the chapter and to the County Ordinance Code hereafter made.
The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future tense includes the present.
Each gender includes the other two genders.
The singular number includes the plural, and the plural number includes the singular. 10/9/25, 10:55 PM Exeter, CA Municipal Code
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Whenever a power is granted to or a duty is imposed upon the poundmaster or other public officer, the power may be exercised or the duty may be performed by a deputy of the officer or by a person authorized pursuant to law by the officer, unless this chapter expressly provides otherwise. (Ord. 297 §1.0(m)—(q), 1973)
6.08.030 - Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, unless it is plainly evident from the context that a different meaning is intended, certain terms used in this chapter are defined as follows:
"At large" means a dog off the premises of its owner and not controlled by a person who under the circumstances is competent to manage the dog.
"City" means the city of Exeter.
"Dog" includes female as well as male dogs.
"Dog pound" means any facility operated by a humane society, a municipal agency, or other agency designated by the city for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this chapter or state law.
"In violation of the law" refers to a dog whose presence or conduct is contrary to anything which this chapter or any other ordinance or law prohibits an owner from permitting his dog to do. "License tag" means the annual license tag issued by the county for the control of dogs. "Owner" means any person, firm or corporation owning, having an interest in, or having control or custody or possession of any dog.
"Person" includes any person, partnership, corporation, trust and association of persons. "P.O.T.A." means the state-imposed peace officer training assessment. "Poundmaster" means any regular or reserve police officer employed by the city, or any other police department of a municipality, or any nonprofit corporation which is authorized and empowered by law to serve in such capacity, as may from time to time be designated by the city council.
"Premises" means a house, other dwelling, a yard or other area or an automobile so enclosed as to prevent a dog from escaping.
"Stray dog" means any dog at loose or not confined to the owner's premises. (Ord. 297 §1.02(a)-(l), 1973; Ord. 512 §§1, 2, 1991; Ord. 537 §2, 1994)
6.08.040 - License required.
Every person owning or having control, custody, or possession of any dog within the limits of the city shall procure a license for each such dog over four months of age, the license to be issued by the county in accordance with that portion of the County Ordinance Code concerning the licensing and control of dogs 10/9/25, 10:55 PM Exeter, CA Municipal Code
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1. and control of rabies and adopted by reference by Chapter 6.04. (Ord. 297 §3.01, 1973)
6.08.050 - Unlawful acts.
It is unlawful for the owner, as defined in this chapter, of a dog to do any of the following:
Permit a dog to be at large;
Permit a dog to enter or be in any food establishment, including restaurant, coffee shop, food store, grocery, or meat market;
Permit a vicious dog or female dog while in season to be off the premises as defined in this chapter, even while under the control of a competent person; Keep any dog, even on his premises, if he has reason to believe that such dog is dangerous or vicious;
Keep a dog which, by habitual howling, yelping, whining or barking, disturbs or annoys other persons in the neighborhood. The same is declared to be a nuisance and each day it continues constitutes a separate offense;
Keep more than three dogs over four months of age within two hundred feet of any dwelling which is occupied by anyone other than such owner and the members of his household. The same is declared to be a nuisance and each day it continues shall constitute a separate offense;
Permit a dog to trespass upon or damage any property or thing of value, including lawns and gardens or anything growing thereon or therein, by digging or otherwise, or to defecate or urinate upon any property excepting only property occupied by such owner. The same is declared to be a nuisance, and each day it continues shall constitute a separate offense; Permit a dog to molest, threaten, or bite any person;
Bring to the city, or keep in the city, any dog which he knows has lived in an area which was officially designated a rabies area at the time of the dog's departure from that area.
All fines for offenses under this section are subject to the fines as defined in the Section 6.08.150. (Ord. 297 §4.01, 1973)
6.08.051 - Leash-free dog area.
The city of Exeter has created a designated fenced area, located at 136 S.F Street, City of Exeter, where dogs will be allowed to be off-leash, notwithstanding the prohibition contained in Section 6.08.040.1. The following rules and regulations shall apply to the use of said off-leash area by owners and their dogs:
10/9/25, 10:55 PM Exeter, CA Municipal Code
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16. Owners are legally responsible for their dog(s) and any injuries caused by their dog(s). Use of the dog area is at owner's risk.
No dog(s) under the age of four months shall be allowed in an off-leash dog area.
All dogs must have current vaccinations as required in Section 6.08.040 of the Exeter Municipal Code.
All dogs must be licensed. All licenses must be on the dogs' collar and the collar must be on the dog at all times.
No dog(s) in heat are allowed within the off-leash dog area.
Owners may not have more than three dogs with them in the off-leash dog area at any given time.
Dogs shall be escorted to and from the off-leash area on a leash which does not exceed six feet in length.
Owners are responsible for the immediate removal of fecal matter deposited in the off-leash area by their dog(s). All feces must be properly disposed of in the receptacles provided within the off-leash area.
No aggressive dogs are allowed within the off-leash dog area. A dog displaying aggressive behavior to people or dogs is required to immediately leave the park for that day.
No children under the age of ten are allowed in the off-leash dog area. Children ages ten— fourteen must be accompanied by an adult.
Sports activities, bicycles, picnics, etc., are not permitted in the off-leash dog area.
The city of Exeter Animal Control, Code Enforcer, and Police Officer shall have the right to enter an off-leash dog area and enforce all animal control regulations by the authority given to them under Chapter 6.08 of the Exeter Municipal Code.
Violators of the above-stated rules may be removed from the park and park privileges may be suspended.
The city of Exeter reserves the right to close the off-leash dog areas.
Dogs shall not be left unattended in the off-leash dog area. Handler must be with the dog(s) at all times.
The city of Exeter can make special reservations for events and/activities such as shot clinics and/or agility competitions, etc.
(Ord. No. 655, §1, 2-8-2011)
6.08.060 - Picking up stray dog—Reporting.
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Every person except the poundmaster who picks up or accepts from another person not the owner thereof any stray dog or any dog of which he is not the owner shall, within twelve hours thereafter, give notice to the poundmaster of the city of:
The fact that he has such dog in his possession;
A complete description of the dog;
Whether or not the dog has a license tag, and if so the city or county which issued the same and the number thereof;
The place where such dog is kept.
Each such person, or any other person who has the custody of such dog shall, at the request of the poundmaster, deliver such dog to the poundmaster without fee or charge, and the poundmaster shall thereupon hold and dispose of the dog in the same manner as if such dog has been found at large and impounded by him.
(Ord. 297 §4.02, 1973)
6.08.070 - Biting by dog—Quarantine.
Whenever an owner knows or is informed that his dog has bitten any person, he shall promptly notify the poundmaster of that fact and of the name and address of the person bitten, if known, and the dog shall be quarantined in accordance with that portion of the County Ordinance Code concerning the licensing and control of dogs and control of rabies and adopted by reference by Chapter 6.04. (Ord. 297 §4.03, 1973)
6.08.080 - Rabies.
Whenever an owner knows or is informed or has reason to believe that his dog has rabies, or that his dog has been bitten by any animal known to have or suspected to have rabies, such owner shall promptly notify the poundmaster of such fact, and give such additional information as he has regarding the matter, and surrender the dog to the poundmaster.
(Ord. 297 §4.04, 1973)
6.08.090 - Redemption of impounded dogs.
The owner of any dog at the time it is so impounded may redeem the same in accordance with that portion of the County Ordinance Code concerning the licensing and control of dogs and control of rabies adopted by reference by Chapter 6.04.
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(Ord. 297 §5, 1973)
6.08.100 - Maintenance of premises.
Every person owning or occupying premises where any dog is kept shall keep the pen, building, or place in which the dog is kept in a clean and sanitary condition. (Ord. 297 §6.01, 1973)
6.08.110 - Dangerous and vicious dog.
6.08.110.1 Dangerous dog.
Level 1
Any dog which, when unprovoked engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury while the person is upon public property or lawfully upon private property.
Any dog which, when unprovoked attacks and/or causes any minor injury, either directly or indirectly to any dog that is lawfully upon public or private property.
Level 2
Any dog which, when unprovoked attacks and/or causes any minor to moderate injury, either directly or indirectly to any human that is lawfully upon public or private property.
Any dog which, when unprovoked attacks and/or causes moderate to serious injury, either directly or indirectly to any dog that is lawfully upon public or private property.
6.08.110.2 Vicious dog.
Any dog which, when unprovoked attacks and/or causes severe injury or death, either directly or indirectly to any human that is lawfully upon public or private property.
Any dog which, when unprovoked attacks and/or causes the death, either directly or indirectly to any dog that is lawfully upon public or private property.
6.08.110.3 Dog impound.
The officer shall summarily declare any dog to be vicious whenever there is evidence the dog has attacked, bitten or caused injury to any human or other dog.
Whenever possible, the dog control officer shall first obtain signed statements from the victim, complainant and/or witnesses prior to impoundment.
The officer shall impound the dog pending humane destruction, complete and provide a copy of a dangerous or vicious dog notice of impound to the dog owner. 10/9/25, 10:55 PM Exeter, CA Municipal Code
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October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
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The dog control officer shall provide the owner with a request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing. The owner must complete and submit the request for a hearing to the dog control officer within six business days to request a hearing and avert the dogs' destruction.
Upon receipt of a valid request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing, the dog control officer shall halt the destruction order and schedule a hearing with the hearing officer and shall notify the dog owner with the date, time and location of the hearing within two business days upon scheduling. The notification shall be delivered to the owner in a sealed envelope of the City of Exeter and the owner shall sign for receipt. The owner shall forfeit the right to a hearing for failing to request a hearing within the specified time pursuant to subsection (d) above.
6.08.110.4 Waive of hearing.
The dog owner may waive his or her right to a hearing and accept the hearing officer's decision at anytime. The owner shall sign a Hearing Waiver acknowledging the intent to forego the hearing.
6.08.110.5 Pre-hearing bond.
If the owner requests a hearing pursuant to Section 6.08.110.3(e), the owner shall provide a three hundred dollar bond to the city for the care and maintenance of the dog during the hearing process. The bond shall be presented upon submission of a request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing and shall be nonrefundable if the dog is found to be vicious.
If the dog is found to be dangerous and returned to the owner, the owner shall be responsible to pay all fees due to the dog shelter prior to redemption.
If the fees are greater than the required bond, the owner shall be responsible for the remainder. A lien shall remain upon the dog until such fees are paid.
If the fees are less than the required bond, the remainder shall be refunded to the owner.
If the dog is found not dangerous or vicious, the entire bond shall be returned to the owner.
6.08.110.6 Hearing.
A hearing requested in accordance with Section 6.08.110.3(e), shall be conducted before a hearing officer.
The hearing shall be open to the public. The owner may, at his or her expense, employ a shorthand reporter to report the hearing and/or be represented by counsel. All persons providing testimony or providing evidence shall be sworn before commencement. The hearing shall be tape recorded. The hearing officer shall hear all pertinent evidence offered by all interested parties. 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. Each side shall have the right to call and examine witnesses; to introduce exhibits; to cross10/9/25, 10:55 PM Exeter, CA Municipal Code about:blank 8/18
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examine opposing witnesses on any matter relevant to the issues at the hearing. 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 or if it is possible that such charges may be brought against the owner.) The owner has the right to rebut the evidence against him or her. The owner's dog shall be presumed to be vicious and the burden is on the owner to present evidence that the dog is not.
In making a determination that a dog is dangerous or vicious, the hearing officer shall consider the following evidence:
The nature and extent of injuries inflicted as determined by a licensed physician or veterinarian;
The nature and extent of the attack;
The location of where the attack occurred;
The presence or absence of any provocation for the attack; Any previous history (reported or unreported) of the dog attacking, biting or causing injury to humans or other dogs;
Whether the dog exhibits an aggressive temperament or unpredictable behavior in the presence of humans or other dogs;
Whether the dog exhibits any characteristics of being trained to fight or attack or any other evidence to show such training;
Any other relevant evidence concerning the dog.
6.08.110.7 Hearing decision.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall review all evidence and determine the dog is:
Not a dangerous or vicious dog and should be returned to the owner; A dangerous dog level I or II and that the conditions of ownership pursuant to Section
6.08.110.11 shall be enforced;
A vicious dog and shall be humanely destroyed.
The hearing officer shall issue a notice of decision in writing within five business days. The notice of decision shall be delivered to the owner in a sealed envelope, either personally at Exeter City Hall or by U.S. Postal Certified Mail return receipt requested at the address appearing upon the request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing. A copy of the decision shall be delivered to the dog control officer.
If the hearing officer declares the dog dangerous level I or II, the owner shall sign an ownership compliance and understanding accepting the conditions of ownership of a dangerous dog within five business days of receipt of the notice of decision. 10/9/25, 10:55 PM Exeter, CA Municipal Code
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If the hearing officer declares the dog to be vicious, the dog shall be humanely destroyed on the fifth business day following notification of the owner.
6.08.110.8 Right of appeal.
The owner of the dog shall have the right to contest the notice of decision issued by the hearing officer.
The owner shall within five business days following receipt of the notice advise the hearing officer and the dog control officer in writing of his or her intent to appeal the decision. The owner shall appeal the decision of the hearing officer pursuant to Section 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedure where and to the extent said section may be applicable.
6.08.110.9 Disposition of dog.
Any dog impounded and declared to be a dangerous or vicious shall be humanely destroyed upon occurrence of any of the following:
Expiration of six business days from the date of impoundment without receipt of a request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing pursuant to Section 6.08.110.7(d) from the dog owner; Expiration of five business days from the receipt of the hearing officer's decision that the dog is vicious pursuant to Section 6.01.110.7(a)(3), unless the owner has filed an action with the county superior court seeking judicial review;
Expiration of five business days from receipt of the hearing officer's decision that the dog is dangerous pursuant to Section 6.01.110.7(a)(2) and the owner has not complied with Section
6.01.110.7(c);
Expiration of ten business days following the entry of an order by the Tulare County Superior Court upholding the decision of a hearing officer that the dog is vicious.
The dog control officer shall sign an order authorizing the destruction.
6.08.110.10 Dangerous or vicious dog exceptions.
No dog shall be impounded, if any injury or damage is sustained by a person who, at the time the injury or damage was sustained, was committing a willful trespass, or was committing or attempting to commit a crime or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog.
No dog shall be impounded, if the dog was protecting or defending a person within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unlawful attack or assault.
No dog shall be impounded, if any injury or damage is sustained by a person who, at the time the injury or damage was sustained, was teasing, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog. 10/9/25, 10:55 PM Exeter, CA Municipal Code
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No dog utilized by any police department or any law enforcement officer shall be impounded or declared a dangerous or vicious dog for any injury or damage sustained by any person, if the injury or damage was sustained in the performance of police work.
6.08.110.11 Conditions of ownership of a dangerous or vicious dog.
Level 1
The following conditions shall be inspected, verified or enforced by the animal control officer.
The dog owner shall accomplish the following conditions at the owner's expense on or before the time period/s specified.
The owner of a dog determined to be dangerous or vicious, may be prohibited by the city from owning, possessing, controlling, or having custody of any dog for a period of up to three years, when it is found that these conditions are not being met:
Only one dangerous or vicious dogs is allowed per household.
Acquire rabies vaccination within ten business days;
Microchip the dog within ten business days for dog tracking; The dog must be spayed or neutered within sixty days. The dog shall not be bred or permitted to give birth prior to the surgical altering of the dog. The owner shall immediately notify the dog control officer, if the dog is accidentally bred or has been diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian as being pregnant; Obtain a dangerous dog permit from the city prior to release (the permit is nontransferable and only valid at the location/address specified upon the request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing or upon the location allowed by the hearing officer); At all times securely contain the dog within the residence, in a secure enclosure capable of containing the dog or by appropriate restraint. All gates leading into the enclosure must be padlocked to preclude the escape of the dog. If the dog is kept within the residence the owner shall preclude the dog from bolting out any door when opened; If the dog is kept within an enclosure, the enclosure shall be maintained by the owner and shall be inspected daily by the owner, and maintained when needed; Post a sign on every gate or entryway of the property where the dog is maintained. Such notice shall either be purchased from the city or be approved by the city. The notice shall state:
Be no less than twenty-four inches by twenty inches;
"Beware Dangerous Dog" in three-inch letters in high contrast on a black background; In both English and Spanish.
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The dog must be muzzled, restrained by a substantial leash not exceeding eight feet in length and under the control of an adult eighteen years or older whenever the dog is off the property. All other dogs shall be placed into an appropriate dog carrier when removed from the property. At no time shall a dog be left unattended when off the property of the owner;
Possess and maintain general liability insurance or a "personal umbrella liability policy" from an insurer licensed to practice in the State of California, in a single incident amount of not less than twenty-five thousand dollars for each dog declared dangerous covering property damage and bodily injury caused by dangerous dogs for as long as he or she owns, keeps or harbors the dog. The policy shall contain a provision requiring that the City of Exeter be notified by the insurance company upon cancellation, termination or expiration of the policy. Proof of such insurance shall be filed with dog control; A probationary period of three years; in which, the owner must maintain and comply with the conditions of ownership;
Written authorization must be obtained from the property owner (if not the dog owner) or rental/lease agency to keep, maintain or house the dog; Exeter Animal Control shall have the right to conduct no notice inspections to ensure compliance with this section;
The hearing officer may require additional conditions or restrictions upon the ownership of the dog. The hearing officer shall not delete or modify present conditions; 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. Owner must submit evidence to the animal control officer of successful completion of training during probationary period.
Level 2
The following conditions shall be inspected, verified or enforced by the animal control officer.
The dog owner shall accomplish the following conditions at the owner's expense on or before the time period/s specified by these conditions.
The owner of a dog determined to be dangerous or vicious, may be prohibited by the city from owning, possessing, controlling, or having custody of any dog for a period of up to three years, when it is found that these conditions are not being met:
Only one dangerous or vicious dog is allowed per household.
Acquire rabies vaccination within ten business days;
Microchip the dog within ten business days for dog tracking; 10/9/25, 10:55 PM Exeter, CA Municipal Code
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The dog must be spayed or neutered within sixty days. The dog shall not be bred or permitted to give birth prior to the surgical altering of the dog. The owner shall immediately notify the dog control officer, if the dog is accidentally bred or has been diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian as being pregnant; Obtain a dangerous dog permit from the city prior to release (the permit is nontransferable and only valid at the location/address specified upon the request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing or upon the location allowed by the hearing officer); At all times securely contain the dog within the residence, in a secure enclosure capable of containing the dog or by appropriate restraint. All gates leading into the enclosure must be padlocked to preclude the escape of the dog. If the dog is kept within the residence the owner shall preclude the dog from bolting out any door when opened; If the dog is kept within an enclosure, the enclosure shall be maintained by the owner and shall be inspected daily by the owner, and maintained when needed; Post a sign on every gate or entryway of the property where the dog is maintained. Such notice shall either be purchased from the city or be approved by the city. The notice shall (state):
Be no less than twenty-four inches by twenty inches;
"Beware Dangerous Dog" in three-inch letters in high contrast on a black background; In both English and Spanish.
The dog must be muzzled, restrained by a substantial leash not exceeding eight feet in length and under the control of an adult eighteen years or older whenever the dog is off the property. All other dogs shall be placed into an appropriate dog carrier when removed from the property. At no time shall a dog be left unattended when off the property of the owner;
Possess and maintain general liability insurance or a "personal umbrella liability policy" from an insurer licensed to practice in the State of California, in a single incident amount of not less than one hundred thousand dollars for each dog declared dangerous covering property damage and bodily injury caused by dangerous dogs for as long as he or she owns, keeps or harbors the dog. The policy shall contain a provision requiring that the City of Exeter be notified by the insurance company upon cancellation, termination or expiration of the policy. Proof of such insurance shall be filed with dog control; Written authorization must be obtained from the property owner (if not the dog owner) or rental/lease agency to keep, maintain or house the dog; A probationary period of five years, in which, the owner must maintain and comply with the conditions of ownership;
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Exeter Animal Control shall have the right to conduct no notice inspections to ensure compliance with this section;
The hearing officer may require additional conditions or restrictions upon the ownership of the dog. The hearing officer shall not delete or modify present conditions; 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. Owner must submit evidence to the animal control officer of successful completion of training during probationary period.
6.08.110.12 Transfer of ownership.
It shall be unlawful for the owner to give away, sale [sell] or relocate any dog, which has been declared a dangerous dog while the dog is currently under probation. Transfer of ownership or relocation must be approved prior to transfer by the city administrator. Current and future owner must complete and sign the transfer of ownership. The new owner must accept all conditions of ownership. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of five hundred dollars per day of violation.
6.08.110.13 Violation of probation.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog declared dangerous to violate any of the probationary terms set forth in the conditions of ownership of a dangerous dog. Any violation shall result in the immediate impoundment of the dog. The dog shall be summarily declared a vicious dog and humanely destroyed. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six months or by a fine of one thousand dollars or by both fine and imprisonment.
(Ord. 297 §6.02, 1973; Ord. No. 652, 5-11-2010)
6.08.120 - Poundmaster—Enforcement.
The poundmaster shall enforce all of the laws of the city, county and state relating to the care, treatment and impounding of dogs. Furthermore, it is the duty of the poundmaster to file legal complaints against dog owners when the same appears to be in the public interest.
It is made the duty of the poundmaster, whether enumerated as a duty or not, to enforce any other sections of this chapter or any provisions of Chapter 6.04, which adopts by reference that portion of the County Ordinance Code concerning the licensing and control of dogs and control of rabies, and any amendments and additions thereto hereafter made. (Ord. 297 §§2.01, 2.06, 1973)
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6.08.130 - Poundmaster—Impoundment—Posting of notice.
Promptly upon the impounding of a dog, the poundmaster shall post in the lobby of the city hall a description of the dog and the approximate time that the dog was taken into possession. No other attempt need be made to notify the owner unless the dog is wearing a license tag issued by the county, in which case a card or letter shall be promptly mailed to the owner as shown by the county dog license records. (Ord. 297 §2.02, 1973)
6.08.140 - Poundmaster—Impoundment—Payment for reclamation.
The owner of any impounded dog shall have the right to reclaim the same at any time prior to the lawful disposition thereof, upon payment to the poundmaster of the fines and charges hereinafter provided in this chapter.
(Ord. 297 §2.03, 1973)
6.08.150 - Impoundment—Fines and charges.
The fines and charges for violators of the provisions of this chapter, in addition to those fines and charges required to be paid to the county upon impounded dogs, are as follows:
Any offense, ten dollars minimum and five hundred dollars maximum; For the purposes of this section, the court may consider as prior offenses only those violations which have occurred within a three-year period prior to the present offense.
No dog shall be surrendered by the poundmaster until all fines and charges have been paid in full.
(Ord. 297 §2.08, 1973; Ord. 350 §2, 1977)
6.08.160 - Poundmaster—Impoundment—Destruction of unfit or dangerous dog.
It shall be the duty of the poundmaster, and he is authorized and empowered, to forthwith destroy any dog lawfully impounded which is by reason of age, disease or other cause, unfit for further use, or is dangerous to keep impounded.
(Ord. 297 §2.09, 1973)
6.08.170 - Poundmaster—Right to enter premises.
The poundmaster is authorized to enter upon any premises for the purpose of taking up, seizing or impounding any dog which, according to the provisions of this chapter, he is authorized to seize and impound, except that the poundmaster shall not seize or impound a dog for violation of Section 6.08.050 10/9/25, 10:55 PM Exeter, CA Municipal Code
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when the dog has not strayed from and is upon private property owned by the dog owner or the person who has a right to control the dog, or upon private property to which the dog owner or person who has a right to control the dog has a right of possession. Furthermore, a dog that has strayed from but then returned to the private property of his owner or the person who has a right to control the dog shall not be seized or impounded, but in such a case a citation may be issued; provided, however, that if in such a situation the owner or person who has a right to control the dog is not home, the dog may be impounded, but the poundmaster shall post a notice of such impounding on the front door of the living unit of the owner or person who has a right to control the dog. Such notice shall state the following: That the dog has been impounded, where the dog is being held, the name, address, and telephone number of the agency or person to be contacted regarding release of the dog, and an indication of the ultimate disposition of the dog if no action to regain it is taken within a specified period of time by its owner or by the person who has a right to control the dog.
(Ord. 297 §2.04, 1973; Ord. 350 §1, 1977)
6.08.180 - Exhibition of license.
No person shall fail or refuse to exhibit the registration of any dog required to be licensed by the county when requested to do so by the poundmaster.
(Ord. 297 §2.05, 1973)
6.08.190 - Interference with poundmaster prohibited.
No person shall interfere with the poundmaster or his deputies in the performance of their official duties.
(Ord. 297 §2.07, 1973)
6.08.200 - Conflict with county ordinance.
If any portion of this chapter is in conflict with that portion of the County Ordinance Code concerning the licensing and control of dogs and control of rabies which was adopted by reference by Chapter 6.04, the County Ordinance Code shall prevail.
(Ord. 297 §6.05, 1973)
6.08.210 - Violation—Penalty.
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction of the law, and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable as defined in Section 6.08.150.
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violation of any provision of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person, firm, or corporation and shall be punishable therefor as provided by this chapter. (Ord. 297 §6.04, 1973)
CHAPTER 6.12. - ISSUANCE OF CITATIONS
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Footnotes:
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State Law reference— For statutory provisions on the qualifications and authority of humane officers, see Civil Code §§607f and 607g.
6.12.010 - Generally.
All employees of the police department of the city, or any other municipal police department within the county, and employees of nonprofit corporation who have qualified as humane officers pursuant to Section 607(f) of the Civil Code of the state, shall have authority to issue notices to appear in court pursuant to Chapters 6.04, 6.08 and this chapter of the Exeter Municipal Code. The authorization to issue notices to appear granted to other municipal police department personnel and/or nonprofit corporation employees who have qualified as humane officers, shall continue in effect only so long as an agreement is in effect between the city and such other municipality or nonprofit corporation under which said other entity provides animal control services to the city.
(Ord. 328 §1, 1975; Ord. 537 §3, 1994)
CHAPTER 6.16. - FOWL AND OTHER ANIMALS
6.16.010 - Number of fowl and other animals.
Not more than ten animals, in all, including hares, rabbits and guinea pigs shall be kept on any residential parcels within the city.
Not more than ten birds, in all, including pigeons, doves, chickens, ducks, game birds or similar fowl shall be kept on any residential properties within the city. Roosters are not permitted on any properties within the city limits other than those parcels that are zoned RA (rural residential), UR (urban reserve) or A (agriculture) districts.
Birds, excluding the above-listed birds, kept as household pets are permitted in all residential districts.
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6.16.020 - Prohibited animals.
The following animals are prohibited within the city limits, excluding properties that are zoned to the RA (rural residential), UR (urban reserve) or A (agriculture) districts:
Swine;
Cattle, sheep, goats, and other members of the bovine and ovine families; Horses;
Reptiles and amphibians as defined in the California Fish and Game Code; Turkeys, geese and roosters.
(Ord. No. 661 §1, 2013)
6.16.030 - Containment.
All permitted fowl and other animals shall be housed in cages, hutches, or coops that shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all time.
All cages, hutches and coops shall be located in the rear yard area of parcels in residential districts.
(Ord. No. 661 §1, 2013)
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ORDINANCE 717NO. _______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EXTER AMENDINGREPEALING AND REPLACING TITLE 6 ANIMALS (CHAPTERS 6.04 THROUGH 6.16) AND ADDING CHAPTERS
6.20, 6.22, 6.24, AND 6.28 TO ADOPTION OFTO COUNTY ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF EXETER MUNICIPAL CODE
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6.04.010 GenerallyDefinitions.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 30501 of the Food and Agricultural Code of the state, the city council does designate the police department of the city, or any other municipality or nonprofit corporation which is authorized and empowered by law to do so, as the council may, from time to time, designate upon the execution of appropriate written agreements, to apply and enforce the provisions of Chapter 4 of Part IV of the Ordinance Code of Tulare County and the provisions of this chapter, within the city. adopts, as its regulatory standard for animal control, those provisions of Chapter 4 of Part IV of the Tulare County Ordinance Code, as may be amended from time to time, to the extent they are not in conflict with this Title or state law. These standards are hereby incorporated by reference and shall apply within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Exeter.
Enforcement and administration of these standards shall be carried out by the City of Visalia Animal Care Center, or such other agency or entity as may be designated by written agreement with the City of Exeter.
As used in this title, the following terms are defined:
“Abandon” means to completely forsake and desert an animal previously under the custody or possession of a person, without making reasonable arrangements to provide for its proper care, sustenance, shelter and medical care or fails to lawfully surrender the animal after made aware of its impoundment. “Aggressive” means showing a readiness or having a tendency to attack or to do harm to a human being or animal.
“Altered” for a female, means having been spayed; for a male means having been neutered. “Animal” means any living vertebrate member of the animal kingdom, excluding man. “Animal control officer” means any person designated by the state of California, city, or Tulare County as a law enforcement officer who is qualified to perform such duties under the laws of this state. “Animal shelter” means any facility operated by a humane society, or public agency, or its authorized agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this title or state law. “Animal Services” shall mean the Animal Services Division of the City of Exeter or that entity assigned by contract to serve as such division and provide the animal control officers for the city. “At large” means off the premises of the person owning or having the possession, charge, custody, or control of the animal and not under the immediate control of a person by means of an enclosure, leash, rope, or other means of immediate effective physical control.
“Auction” means any place or facility where animals are regularly bought, sold or traded, except for those facilities otherwise defined in this title. This section does not apply to individual sales of animals by owners. “Breeder” means any person, persons or business who breeds one or more litters of dogs and/or cats in one year for sale or profit.
“Business day” means Monday through Friday, excluding holidays recognized by the City or any contracting entity provided Animal Services by the closure of City or contracting entity’s administrative offices.
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“Cat” means any member of the feline family, wild and domesticated, and shall be intended to mean both male and female.
“Circus” means a commercial variety show featuring animal acts for public entertainment. “Commercial animal establishment” means any pet shop, grooming shop, auction, riding school or stable, zoological park, circus, performing animal exhibit, or boarding kennel. “Dangerous/vicious animal” means any animal, which has been determined by the animal control officer after an investigation to have attacked, bitten, or caused an injury in an aggressive manner or caused an injury to a person or injured an animal while at large.
“Dog” means any member of the canine family, wild or domesticated, and shall be intended to mean both male and female.
“Domestic animals” means animals such as are habituated to live in or about the habitations of persons or such as to contribute to the support of a family or the wealth of the community. “Exotic animal” means any animal, either wild or domesticated belonging by nature or origin to another part of the world.
“Fowl” means any chicken, duck, goose, turkey, guinea, pigeon, swan, peacock or other fowl. “Hearing officer” means any person appointed by the City Manager to preside over the administrative hearing described in Chapter 6.16 for dangerous/vicious animals. “Impoundment” means the taking up and confinement of any animal in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or other facility.
“Kennel” means any premises, wherein any person keeps five or more dogs and/or cats over four months of age except pet shops for noncommercial purposes.
“Litter” means two or more offspring from the same female dog or cat. “Livestock” means any large animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, mules, goats, and other domestic animals raised typically raised for agricultural uses.
“Owner” means any person, partnership, firm or corporation owning, keeping or harboring one or more animals.
An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for three consecutive days or more. “Performing animal exhibition” means any spectacle, display, act, or event other than circuses, in which performing animals are used.
“Person” means any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, joint venture or entity. “Pet” means any animal kept for pleasure rather than utility. “Pet shop” means any person, partnership, firm or corporation whether operated separately or in connection with another business enterprise except for licensed kennels, that buy, sell, or board any species of animal. “Poundmaster” means the party appointed by the city council pursuant to § 6.04.020. That person may be the party with whom the city has contracted for the performance of pound services or a designated division of city personnel.
“Premises” means a house, other dwelling, a yard or other area or an automobile so enclosed as to prevent a dog from escaping.
“Private property” means that property of which a person or persons has the exclusive right of disposition. “Public nuisance” means any animal or animals which:
1. Molests passersby or chases passing vehicles;
2. Attacks other animals;
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3. Trespasses on school grounds;
4. Is repeatedly at large;
5. Damages private or public property;
6. Barks, whines, or howls in an excessive or untimely fashion. “Public place” means any park, public building, playground, street, road, alleyway, or any other place open to general public.
“Restraint” means a leash not in excess of eight feet, a tethered lead, or a fenced enclosure which keeps the animal under the control of a responsible person or within the real property limits of its owner. “Service Animal” means any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuas with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.
“Veterinary hospital” means any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals. “Wild animal” means any nondomesticated animal living in a feral state. (Ord. 369 §1, 1978; Ord. 537 §1, 1994)
6.04.020 AdoptedPoundmaster.
All of the provisions of Chapter 4 of Part IV of the County Ordinance Code, as last amended by County Ordinance 2081, are referred to, adopted as a city ordinance, and made a part of this chapter with the same effect as if fully set forth in this chapter, and all of the provisions thereof shall be applicable within the boundaries of the city.
(Ord. 369 §2, 1978)
The office of Poundmaster is established. The Poundmaster shall be appointed or designated by the city council and may be either a person, firm, association, corporation, or a designated division of City personnel. The Poundmaster shall serve for such period of time and shall receive such compensation as shall be established by the city council by ordinance, resolution, policy, or by contract. If an association, corporation, public entity, or designated division of city personnel is appointed as Poundmaster, then each officer and employee of such association, corporation, public entity or designated division is authorized to perform duties under this title shall be deemed to be a Poundmaster and shall have all of the rights and duties of the Poundmaster which are set forth in this title.
6.04.030 Violation—Penalty Records.
The Poundmaster shall keep a record of every animal impounded pursuant to this title which shall include a description of the animal, the date of receipt, the date and manner of disposal, the name of the person redeeming or purchasing, and the fees, charges and proceeds of sales received on account of said animal, and such additional records as may be required by the city council from time to time.
A. Any person violating any of the provisions of Sections 4451, 4452 and 4475 of said Chapter 4 of Part IV of the County Ordinance Code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
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B. Any person violating any of the provisions of Section 4430 of said Chapter 4 of Part IV of the County Ordinance Code shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be punished upon a first conviction by a fine not less than ten dollars and not exceeding fifty dollars, and for a second conviction within a period of one year by a fine not less than ten dollars and not exceeding one hundred dollars, and for a third or any subsequent conviction within one year by a fine not less than ten dollars and not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars.
C. Any person violating any of the provisions of Section 4439 of said Chapter 4 of Part IV of the County Ordinance Code shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be punished upon a first conviction by a fine not less than five dollars and not exceeding fifty dollars, and for a second conviction within a period of one year by a fine not less than five dollars and not exceeding one hundred dollars, and for a third or any subsequent conviction within one year by a fine not less than five dollars and not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars.
D. Any person violating any of the provisions of said Chapter 4 of Part IV of the County Ordinance Code, other than Sections 4430, 4439, 4451, 4452 and 4475, shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be punishable upon a first conviction by a fine not exceeding fifty dollars, and for a second conviction of the same provisions within a period of one year by a fine of not exceeding one hundred dollars, and for a third or any subsequent conviction of the same provision within a period of one year by a fine of not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars.
(Ord. 369 §3, 1978)
6.04.040 Animal care center .
There shall be provided by the city council, or by the Poundmaster upon such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed upon by the Poundmaster and the city council, a suitable building or enclosure to keep and safely hold all animals to be impounded pursuant to the provisions of this title, and said building or enclosure shall be known and designated as the “Animal Care Center.”
6.04.050 Impounding animals.
The Poundmaster shall take up, impound and safely keep any dog which is found running at large contrary to the provisions of this title within the incorporated territory of the city.
6.04.060 Right to enter premises.
The Poundmaster is authorized to enter upon any premises for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this title.
6.04.070 Interference with duties.
It is unlawful for any person to hinder, obstruct or interfere with the Poundmaster in the performance of his official duties.
6.04.080 Duties of animal control officer.
The duties of the animal control officer shall be as follows:
A. To take up and impound any dog or other animals, (except cats), found to be running at large, staked, tied or being herded or pastured in any public place within the city or upon the premises of any person other than the owner of such dog or other animal;
B. To make a complete registry of impounded dogs and cats, showing in detail in the case of each animal, the date of receipt, the breed, color, and sex of such animal, and if licensed, the number of such license and the name and address of owners;
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C. To notify by mail the owner of any animal, bearing identification, impounded by the animal control officer, stating that such animal is confined at the Animal Care Center, and specify the amount necessary to reclaim or redeem the same and the period which the animal will be held before destroying or otherwise disposing of the same.
6.04.090 Authority of animal control officer.
A. Each animal control officer shall have and is vested with the authority of a public officer. The animal control officers may, in the performance of their duties, enter upon any property pursuant to law, to ascertain if any of the provisions of this title or any state laws relating to disease, care, treatment or cruelty to animals are being violated.
Each animal control officer may issue citations for the violation of the provisions of this title, any state law, or city ordinance in the manner prescribed by the ordinance, and remove animals from said premises if they deem necessary. The authority to issue citations in the manner prescribed by the city shall be alternative to any other authority provided by law.
B. Any animal control officer of the city shall have police powers in the enforcement of this title and no person shall interfere with, hinder, molest or abuse any animal control officer of the city in the exercise of such powers.
C. In the performance of duties for the control of animals, the animal control officer shall have the authority to employ the use of the tranquilizer gun or other animal control devices in common use within the state of California.
6.04.100 Penalties.
A. Except as otherwise provided herein, any person violating any provision of this title shall be deemed guilty of an infraction, subject to penalties in accordance with Section ___________. Alternatively the city may choose to enforce violations through the administrative code enforcement process described in Chapter _____ of this Code.
B. For violations of Section ________ (Maintaining a dangerous/vicious animal), when the owner or custodian of an animal is deemed responsible for the acts committed by that animal when the owner fails to comply with legal requirement for keeping the animal secure and under control, in any case wherein an animal attacks, bites or injures a human being or another animal, the owner or custodian of the animal is in violation of this Code of Ordinances and such violation may be charged as a misdemeanor in accordance with Section _______ or alternatively as an administrative code violation under Chapter _______.
C. Any person who violates Section ________ (Violation of Quarantine) shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
CHAPTER 6.08. DOGANIMAL PROTECTION AND CONTROL1
S Chapter 6.08
ANIMAL PROTECTION AND CONTROL
Sections:
6.08.010 Animal care.
1 State law reference(s)—Provisions authorizing cities to impose an annual license fee on dogs, Gov. Code §38792; Regulation and licensing of dogs, Food and Agric. Code §30501 et seq.; Rabies control, Health and Safety Code §1900 et seq.
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6.08.020 Restraint of animals.
6.08.030 Public nuisance.
6.08.040 Interference with highways.
6.08.050 Animals and fowl at large.
6.08.060 Biting animals.
6.08.070 Keeping of bees unlawful.
6.08.080 Bees--Public nuisance.
6.08.090 Disposal of dead animals.
6.08.100 Animal waste.
6.08.110 Service animals.
6.08.120 Abandonment.
6.08.130 Police canine units--Protection of.
6.08.140 Construction.ections:
6.08.010 Short titleAnimal care.
The ordinance codified in this chapter shall be known as the "Dog Ordinance." (Ord. 297 §1.01, 1973)
It is unlawful for the owners or persons having custody of any animal to permit, either willfully or through failure to exercise due care or control, any cruel acts upon said animal. Cruel acts are defined as follows:
A. To place, leave or expose, making accessible to animals, any poisonous substance; B. To have, keep, or harbor any animal which is infected with any dangerous or incurable or painfully crippling condition, except as hereinafter provided. All such diseased or crippled animals with an incurable ailment taken into custody of the city shall be transferred to the Poundmaster for impoundment. This section shall not apply to animals within veterinary hospitals or under the care of a veterinarian, or having been diagnosed with any common, incurable disease where impoundment or quarantine is not recommended by a doctor of veterinary medicine;
C. To fail, refuse or neglect to provide any animal in their charge or custody as owner or otherwise, with food, drink, shade or weatherproof housing facilities, or to carry any animal in or upon any vehicle in a cruel or inhumane manner;
D. To willfully, or maliciously kill, maim, disfigure, tease, torture, beat with a stick, chain, club or other object, mutilate, burn, scald with any substance, over-drive or otherwise cruelly set upon any animal, except that a reasonable force may be employed to drive off vicious or trespassing animals; E. To hobble livestock or other animals by means of chains which are composed of tempered or other permanent wire links;
F. To drive or work any animal in a cruel manner when such animal is unfit for such work; G. To promote, stage, hold, manage, conduct, carry on or attend any game, exhibition, contest, or fight in which one or more animals are engaged for the purpose of injuring, killing, maiming or destroying themselves or any other animal or person;
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H. No person or business shall give away any live vertebrate animal as a prize for, or as an inducement to enter, any contest, game or other competition, or as an inducement to enter a place of amusement or offer such vertebrate as an incentive to enter into any business agreement whereby the offer was for the purpose of attracting trade;
I. No person shall keep upon any premises, any animals, including any fowl or household pets in a foul, offensive, obnoxious, filthy or unsanitary condition.
6.08.020 Restraint of animals.
A. Any person owning or having charge, custody, care or control of any animal (except cats) kept or harbored in the city shall confine such animal exclusively upon such owner's premises, except when otherwise properly restrained as hereinafter provided, or unless pursuant to Section 6.08.021 below.
B. No person shall allow or permit any animal (except cats that are spayed or neutered and currently licensed by the City) to run at large, or be pastured, herded, staked, or tied in or on any public alley, street sidewalk, vacant lot, school grounds, or other public place belonging to or under the control of the city or in such a way as to trespass in any manner upon any of the aforesaid public places.
C. No person shall permit any animal (except cats that are spayed or neutered and currently licensed by the City) to be at large or to go or be upon the premises owned or occupied by any other person in the city without said person's consent.
D. All dogs shall be kept under restraint at all times, otherwise they will be classed as running at large.
E. Any animal (except cats that are spayed or neutered and currently licensed by the City) permitted to be at large or trespassing upon private premises or public property in violation of this section shall be deemed prima facie to be under the control of the animal’s owner and is declared to be a public nuisance and menace to public health and safety, and shall be seized and impounded as provided in this title.
F. No owners shall fail to exercise proper care and control of their animals, (except cats) to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance. Excessive continuous or untimely barking, or other noise, molesting passersby, chasing vehicles, habitually attacking other domestic animals, trespassing upon private property in such manner as to damage property, shall be deemed a public nuisance.
G. Every female dog or cat in heat shall be confined in a building or secure enclosure in such manner that such female dog or cat cannot come into contact with another animal except for planned breeding.
H. No persons shall keep or permit to be kept on their premises any wild, exotic, or vicious animal for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee. This section shall not be construed so as to apply to a permitted zoological garden, commercial animal establishment, theatrical exhibit or circus as defined in Section
6.04.010, except that no theatrical exhibit or act shall be held in which animals are encouraged to perform through the use of chemical, electrical, or mechanical devices.
I. No person shall keep or permit to be kept any wild animal as a pet.
6.08.021 Leash-free dog area.
The city of Exeter has created a designated fenced area, located at 136 S.F Street, City of Exeter, where dogs will be allowed to be off-leash, notwithstanding the prohibitions contained in Section 6.08.020 and in this Chapter. The following rules and regulations shall apply to the use of said off-leash area by owners and their dogs:
1. Owners are legally responsible for their dog(s) and any injuries caused by their dog(s). Use of the dog area is at owner's risk.
2. No dog(s) under the age of four months shall be allowed in an off-leash dog area.
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3. All dogs must have current vaccinations as required in this Code.
4. All dogs must be licensed. All licenses must be on the dogs' collar and the collar must be on the dog at all times.
5. No dog(s) in heat are allowed within the off-leash dog area.
6. Owners may not have more than three dogs with them in the off-leash dog area at any given time.
7. Dogs shall be escorted to and from the off-leash area on a leash which does not exceed six feet in length.
8. Owners are responsible for the immediate removal of fecal matter deposited in the off-leash area by their dog(s). All feces must be properly disposed of in the receptacles provided within the off-leash area.
9. No aggressive dogs are allowed within the off-leash dog area. A dog displaying aggressive behavior to people or dogs is required to immediately leave the park for that day.
10. No children under the age of ten are allowed in the off-leash dog area. Children ages ten—fourteen must be accompanied by an adult.
11. Sports activities, bicycles, picnics, etc., are not permitted in the off-leash dog area.
12. The city of Exeter Animal Control, Code Enforcer, and Police Officer shall have the right to enter an offleash dog area and enforce all animal control regulations by the authority given to them under Title 6 the Exeter Municipal Code.
13. Violators of the above-stated rules may be removed from the park and park privileges may be suspended.
14. The city of Exeter reserves the right to close the off-leash dog areas.
15. Dogs shall not be left unattended in the off-leash dog area. Handler must be with the dog(s) at all times.
16. The city of Exeter can make special reservations for events and/activities such as shot clinics and/or agility competitions, etc.
3 6.08.030 Public nuisance.
It is declared a public nuisance for any animal, except cats that are spayed or neutered or currently licensed by the City, to run at large or to be on property other than that of the owner of the animal, without the property owner's consent.
A. Wherever any animal control officer or peace officer finds a public nuisance to exist within the meaning of this chapter, they shall notify the owner of the animal by registered mail that the owner shall either abate said nuisance within ten days or show cause why said nuisance should not be summarily abated.
B. If said nuisance is not abated and no show of cause is made, the animal control officer may then issue a citation to the owner of the animal or may impound the animal which is creating the nuisance. Any animal so impounded shall be taken to the City Animal Shelter.
C. In lieu of acting under divisions A. or B. above, the Poundmaster may determine that any at large cat that has not been spayed or neutered may be seized by an animal control officer or captured in a humane manner by a private citizen and submitted to the Animal Care Center to be neutered or spayed and vaccinated. After being altered the cat may then be released in the area where it was found at the discretion of the animal control services Formatted: List 2
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division operating such a spay/neuter and release program as a means to help control the community cat population. acting under the authority of this section shall be at the discretion of the Poundmaster.
6.08.040 Interference with highways.
It is unlawful for the owner of a dog to allow or permit the dog to attack pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles or other users of the public highways.
6.08.050 Animals and fowl at large.
In addition to household pets, no person shall allow or permit any other animals or fowl, except cats that are spayed or neutered or currently licensed by the City, to run at large upon any public street or place, or to trespass upon the property of another. This provision shall not be construed as permitting the running at large of any household pets who are restricted by the provisions of this title, or by any law applicable thereto.
6.08.060 Biting animals.
It is unlawful for any person to suffer, or permit any dog, cat or other animal owned, harbored or controlled by him, to inflict upon any human being a bite that penetrates the skin while the person bitten is on any public place, or legally upon any private property. The person bitten may request the animal control officer to initiate criminal proceedings against such other person by submitting a signed, written complaint.
6.08.070 Keeping of bees unlawful.
It shall be unlawful and a misdemeanor for any individual or entity to bring, have, keep, or maintain, within the city, at any time between the first day of June and the first day of October, in any year, any swarm or swarms, colony or colonies of honey bees.
6.08.080 Bees--Public nuisance.
Any swarm or swarms, colony or colonies of honey bees so brought, had, kept or maintained, within the city at any time between the first day of June and the first day of October in any year, shall constitute a public nuisance.
6.08.090 Disposal of dead animals.
A. Except as provided in subsection (B) of this section, removal and disposal of dead animals from public property will be done by the animal control officer.
B. Removal and disposal of dead animals from private property within the city limits will be done upon request of the owner, occupant or resident of the property. The fee for this service shall be set by resolution of the city council. The owner or person in charge of any dead animal shall pay the fee. The animal control officer shall not be required to remove and dispose of dead dogs from state highways or from state property or federal property within the city.
C. Upon learning that the body of a dead animal has not been disposed of in a safe and sanitary manner the animal control officer shall remove and dispose of said carcass immediately. The owner, occupant, or resident of the property shall be billed the applicable fee and the cost of the animal control officer responding to the incident.
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6.08.100 Animal waste.
The owners of any animal shall be responsible for the removal of any excreta deposited by their animal(s) on public walks, recreation areas, or private property.
6.08.110 Service animals.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no service animal trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability shall be confined, impounded, or humanely terminated in the absence of evidence that such dog has been exposed to rabies unless the master of such dog:
A. Fails to keep the dog safely confined to the premises of the master; or B. Fails to keep the dog vaccinated against rabies.
6.08.120 Abandonment.
It is unlawful for any person to abandon any animal within the city. In addition to any fines imposed by law, any person violating this section shall bear full costs and expenses incurred by the city in the care of said abandoned animal and shall reimburse to the city all said costs set annually by resolution of the City Council.
6.08.130 Police canine units--Protection of.
It is unlawful for any person to willfully or maliciously torture, tease, torment, beat, kick, strike, mutilate, injure, disable or kill any dog used by the city police department, or any other law enforcement agency while engaged in mutual aid assistance to this city, or the designated handlers of such animals, while any such dog is in the performance of the functions or duties of the police department or other law enforcement agency, or to willfully interfere with or obstruct any such dog while it is being used in the performance of any of the duties or functions of the department or other law enforcement agency.
6.08.140 Construction.
No provisions of this chapter shall be construed to prohibit any act made unlawful by any general law of the state of California, but said chapter is intended to be supplemental thereto.
6.08.020 General provisions.
A. Whenever any reference is made to any portion of this chapter, such reference applies to all amendments and additions thereto hereafter made.
B. Whenever any reference is made to any portion of Chapter 6.04 adopting by reference that portion of the County Ordinance Code concerning the licensing and control of dogs and control of rabies, such reference applies to all amendments and additions to the chapter and to the County Ordinance Code hereafter made.
C. The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future tense includes the present. Each gender includes the other two genders.
D. The singular number includes the plural, and the plural number includes the singular.
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E. Whenever a power is granted to or a duty is imposed upon the poundmaster or other public officer, the power may be exercised or the duty may be performed by a deputy of the officer or by a person authorized pursuant to law by the officer, unless this chapter expressly provides otherwise. (Ord. 297 §1.0(m)—(q), 1973)
6.08.030 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, unless it is plainly evident from the context that a different meaning is intended, certain terms used in this chapter are defined as follows:
A. "At large" means a dog off the premises of its owner and not controlled by a person who under the circumstances is competent to manage the dog.
B. "City" means the city of Exeter.
C. "Dog" includes female as well as male dogs.
D. "Dog pound" means any facility operated by a humane society, a municipal agency, or other agency designated by the city for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this chapter or state law.
E. "In violation of the law" refers to a dog whose presence or conduct is contrary to anything which this chapter or any other ordinance or law prohibits an owner from permitting his dog to do.
F. "License tag" means the annual license tag issued by the county the City of Exeter or its designated licensing agency for the control of dogs.
G. "Owner" means any person, firm or corporation owning, having an interest in, or having control or custody or possession of any dog.
H. "Person" includes any person, partnership, corporation, trust and association of persons.
I. "P.O.T.A." means the state-imposed peace officer training assessment.
J. "Poundmaster" means any regular or reserve police officer employed by the city, or any other police department of a municipality, or any nonprofit corporation which is authorized and empowered by law to serve in such capacity, as may from time to time be designated by the city council. person designated by the City of Exeter to carry out animal control and shelter-related duties pursuant to this Title. This may include:
A regular or reserve police officer employed by the City of Exeter; An employee of another municipality or nonprofit corporation authorized by written agreement to provide animal control services, including but not limited to the City of Visalia Animal Care Center; or Any other person authorized by law and designated by the City Council or City Manager to fulfill such responsibilities.
K. "Premises" means a house, other dwelling, a yard or other area or an automobile so enclosed as to prevent a dog from escaping.
L. "Stray dog" means any dog at loose or not confined to the owner's premises. (Ord. 297 §1.02(a)-(l), 1973; Ord. 512 §§1, 2, 1991; Ord. 537 §2, 1994)
6.08.040 License required.
Every person owning or having control, custody, or possession of any dog within the limits of the city shall procure a license for each such dog over four months of age, the license to be issued by the county shall be October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
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obtained from the City of Exeter or any designated licensing agency under agreement with the City, and in accordance with State law and the portion of the County Ordinance Code concerning the licensing and control of dogs and control of rabies and adopted by reference by Chapter 6.04. (Ord. 297 §3.01, 1973)
6.08.050 Unlawful acts.
A. It is unlawful for the owner, as defined in this chapter, of a dog to do any of the following:
1. Permit a dog to be at large;
2. Permit a dog to enter or be in any food establishment, including restaurant, coffee shop, food store, grocery, or meat market;
3. Permit a vicious dog or female dog while in season to be off the premises as defined in this chapter, even while under the control of a competent person;
4. Keep any dog, even on his premises, if he has reason to believe that such dog is dangerous or vicious;
5. Keep a dog which, by habitual howling, yelping, whining or barking, disturbs or annoys other persons in the neighborhood. The same is declared to be a nuisance and each day it continues constitutes a separate offense;
6. Keep more than three dogs over four months of age within two hundred feet of any dwelling which is occupied by anyone other than such owner and the members of his household. The same is declared to be a nuisance and each day it continues shall constitute a separate offense;
7. Permit a dog to trespass upon or damage any property or thing of value, including lawns and gardens or anything growing thereon or therein, by digging or otherwise, or to defecate or urinate upon any property excepting only property occupied by such owner. The same is declared to be a nuisance, and each day it continues shall constitute a separate offense;
8. Permit a dog to molest, threaten, or bite any person;
9. Bring to the city, or keep in the city, any dog which he knows has lived in an area which was officially designated a rabies area at the time of the dog's departure from that area.
B. All fines for offenses under this section are subject to the fines as defined in the Section 6.08.150. (Ord. 297 §4.01, 1973)
6.08.051 Leash-free dog area.
The city of Exeter has created a designated fenced area, located at 136 S.F Street, City of Exeter, where dogs will be allowed to be off-leash, notwithstanding the prohibition contained in Section 6.08.040.1. The following rules and regulations shall apply to the use of said off-leash area by owners and their dogs:
1. Owners are legally responsible for their dog(s) and any injuries caused by their dog(s). Use of the dog area is at owner's risk.
2. No dog(s) under the age of four months shall be allowed in an off-leash dog area.
3. All dogs must have current vaccinations as required in Section 6.08.040 of the Exeter Municipal Code.
4. All dogs must be licensed. All licenses must be on the dogs' collar and the collar must be on the dog at all times.
5. No dog(s) in heat are allowed within the off-leash dog area.
6. Owners may not have more than three dogs with them in the off-leash dog area at any given time.
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7. Dogs shall be escorted to and from the off-leash area on a leash which does not exceed six feet in length.
8. Owners are responsible for the immediate removal of fecal matter deposited in the off-leash area by their dog(s). All feces must be properly disposed of in the receptacles provided within the off-leash area.
9. No aggressive dogs are allowed within the off-leash dog area. A dog displaying aggressive behavior to people or dogs is required to immediately leave the park for that day.
10. No children under the age of ten are allowed in the off-leash dog area. Children ages ten—fourteen must be accompanied by an adult.
11. Sports activities, bicycles, picnics, etc., are not permitted in the off-leash dog area.
12. The city of Exeter Animal Control, Code Enforcer, and Police Officer shall have the right to enter an offleash dog area and enforce all animal control regulations by the authority given to them under Chapter
6.08 of the Exeter Municipal Code.
13. Violators of the above-stated rules may be removed from the park and park privileges may be suspended.
14. The city of Exeter reserves the right to close the off-leash dog areas.
15. Dogs shall not be left unattended in the off-leash dog area. Handler must be with the dog(s) at all times.
16. The city of Exeter can make special reservations for events and/activities such as shot clinics and/or agility competitions, etc.
(Ord. No. 655, §1, 2-8-2011)
6.08.060 Picking up stray dog—Reporting.
A. Every person except the poundmaster who picks up or accepts from another person not the owner thereof any stray dog or any dog of which he is not the owner shall, within twelve hours thereafter, give notice to the poundmaster of the city of:
1. The fact that he has such dog in his possession;
2. A complete description of the dog;
3. Whether or not the dog has a license tag, and if so the city or county which issued the same and the number thereof;
4. The place where such dog is kept.
B. Each such person, or any other person who has the custody of such dog shall, at the request of the poundmaster, deliver such dog to the poundmaster without fee or charge, and the poundmaster shall thereupon hold and dispose of the dog in the same manner as if such dog has been found at large and impounded by him.
(Ord. 297 §4.02, 1973)
6.08.070 Biting by dog—Quarantine.
Whenever an owner knows or is informed that his dog has bitten any person, he shall promptly notify the poundmaster of that fact and of the name and address of the person bitten, if known, and the dog shall be quarantined in accordance with that portion of the County Ordinance Code concerning the licensing and control of October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
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dogs and control of rabies and adopted by reference by Chapter 6.04 and 2.16", Left the applicable provisions enforced by the City of Visalia pursuant to its agreement with the City of Exeter and in accordance with State law. (Ord. 297 §4.03, 1973)
6.08.080 Rabies.
Whenever an owner knows or is informed or has reason to believe that his dog has rabies, or that his dog has been bitten by any animal known to have or suspected to have rabies, such owner shall promptly notify the poundmaster of such fact, and give such additional information as he has regarding the matter, and surrender the dog to the poundmaster.
(Ord. 297 §4.04, 1973)
6.08.090 Redemption of impounded dogs.
The owner of any dog at the time it is so impounded may redeem the same in accordance with that portion of the County Ordinance Code concerning the licensing and control of dogs and control of rabies adopted by reference by Chapter 6.04 and administered by the City of Visalia Animal Care Center pursuant to agreement.. (Ord. 297 §5, 1973)
6.08.100 Maintenance of premises.
Every person owning or occupying premises where any dog is kept shall keep the pen, building, or place in which the dog is kept in a clean and sanitary condition. (Ord. 297 §6.01, 1973)
6.08.110 Dangerous and vicious dog.
6.08.110.1 Dangerous dog.
Level 1
(a) Any dog which, when unprovoked engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury while the person is upon public property or lawfully upon private property.
(b) Any dog which, when unprovoked attacks and/or causes any minor injury, either directly or indirectly to any dog that is lawfully upon public or private property.
Level 2
(a) Any dog which, when unprovoked attacks and/or causes any minor to moderate injury, either directly or indirectly to any human that is lawfully upon public or private property. (b) Any dog which, when unprovoked attacks and/or causes moderate to serious injury, either directly or indirectly to any dog that is lawfully upon public or private property.
6.08.110.2 Vicious dog.
(a) Any dog which, when unprovoked attacks and/or causes severe injury or death, either directly or indirectly to any human that is lawfully upon public or private property. (b) Any dog which, when unprovoked attacks and/or causes the death, either directly or indirectly to any dog that is lawfully upon public or private property.
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6.08.110.3 Dog impound.
(a) The officer shall summarily declare any dog to be vicious whenever there is evidence the dog has attacked, bitten or caused injury to any human or other dog. (b) Whenever possible, the dog control officer shall first obtain signed statements from the victim, complainant and/or witnesses prior to impoundment.
(c) The officer shall impound the dog pending humane destruction, complete and provide a copy of a dangerous or vicious dog notice of impound to the dog owner. (d) The dog control officer shall provide the owner with a request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing.
The owner must complete and submit the request for a hearing to the dog control officer within six business days to request a hearing and avert the dogs' destruction. (e) Upon receipt of a valid request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing, the dog control officer shall halt the destruction order and schedule a hearing with the hearing officer and shall notify the dog owner with the date, time and location of the hearing within two business days upon scheduling. The notification shall be delivered to the owner in a sealed envelope of the City of Exeter and the owner shall sign for receipt. The owner shall forfeit the right to a hearing for failing to request a hearing within the specified time pursuant to subsection (d) above.
6.08.110.4 Waive of hearing.
The dog owner may waive his or her right to a hearing and accept the hearing officer's decision at anytime.
The owner shall sign a Hearing Waiver acknowledging the intent to forego the hearing.
6.08.110.5 Pre-hearing bond.
(a) If the owner requests a hearing pursuant to Section 6.08.110.3(e), the owner shall provide a three hundred dollar bond to the city for the care and maintenance of the dog during the hearing process.
The bond shall be presented upon submission of a request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing and shall be nonrefundable if the dog is found to be vicious. (b) If the dog is found to be dangerous and returned to the owner, the owner shall be responsible to pay all fees due to the dog shelter prior to redemption.
(1) If the fees are greater than the required bond, the owner shall be responsible for the remainder.
A lien shall remain upon the dog until such fees are paid. (2) If the fees are less than the required bond, the remainder shall be refunded to the owner. (c) If the dog is found not dangerous or vicious, the entire bond shall be returned to the owner.
6.08.110.6 Hearing.
(a) A hearing requested in accordance with Section 6.08.110.3(e), shall be conducted before a hearing officer.
(b) The hearing shall be open to the public. The owner may, at his or her expense, employ a shorthand reporter to report the hearing and/or be represented by counsel. All persons providing testimony or providing evidence shall be sworn before commencement. The hearing shall be tape recorded. The hearing officer shall hear all pertinent evidence offered by all interested parties. 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. Each side shall 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. 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 or if it is possible that such charges may be brought against the owner.) The owner has the right to rebut the evidence against him or her. The owner's dog shall be presumed to be vicious and the burden is on the owner to present evidence that the dog is not.
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(c) In making a determination that a dog is dangerous or vicious, the hearing officer shall consider the following evidence:
(1) The nature and extent of injuries inflicted as determined by a licensed physician or veterinarian; (2) The nature and extent of the attack;
(3) The location of where the attack occurred;
(4) The presence or absence of any provocation for the attack; (5) Any previous history (reported or unreported) of the dog attacking, biting or causing injury to humans or other dogs;
(6) Whether the dog exhibits an aggressive temperament or unpredictable behavior in the presence of humans or other dogs;
(7) Whether the dog exhibits any characteristics of being trained to fight or attack or any other evidence to show such training;
(8) Any other relevant evidence concerning the dog.
6.08.110.7 Hearing decision.
(a) At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall review all evidence and determine the dog is:
(1) Not a dangerous or vicious dog and should be returned to the owner; (2) A dangerous dog level I or II and that the conditions of ownership pursuant to Section
6.08.110.11 shall be enforced;
(3) A vicious dog and shall be humanely destroyed.
(b) The hearing officer shall issue a notice of decision in writing within five business days. The notice of decision shall be delivered to the owner in a sealed envelope, either personally at Exeter City Hall or by U.S. Postal Certified Mail return receipt requested at the address appearing upon the request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing. A copy of the decision shall be delivered to the dog control officer. (c) If the hearing officer declares the dog dangerous level I or II, the owner shall sign an ownership compliance and understanding accepting the conditions of ownership of a dangerous dog within five business days of receipt of the notice of decision.
(d) If the hearing officer declares the dog to be vicious, the dog shall be humanely destroyed on the fifth business day following notification of the owner.
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6.08.110.8 Right of appeal.
The owner of the dog shall have the right to contest the notice of decision issued by the hearing officer. The owner shall within five business days following receipt of the notice advise the hearing officer and the dog control officer in writing of his or her intent to appeal the decision. The owner shall appeal the decision of the hearing officer pursuant to Section 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedure where and to the extent said section may be applicable.
6.08.110.9 Disposition of dog.
Any dog impounded and declared to be a dangerous or vicious shall be humanely destroyed upon occurrence of any of the following:
(1) Expiration of six business days from the date of impoundment without receipt of a request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing pursuant to Section 6.08.110.7(d) from the dog owner; (2) Expiration of five business days from the receipt of the hearing officer's decision that the dog is vicious pursuant to Section 6.01.110.7(a)(3), unless the owner has filed an action with the county superior court seeking judicial review;
(3) Expiration of five business days from receipt of the hearing officer's decision that the dog is dangerous pursuant to Section 6.01.110.7(a)(2) and the owner has not complied with Section 6.01.110.7(c); (4) Expiration of ten business days following the entry of an order by the Tulare County Superior Court upholding the decision of a hearing officer that the dog is vicious.
The dog control officer shall sign an order authorizing the destruction.
6.08.110.10 Dangerous or vicious dog exceptions.
(a) No dog shall be impounded, if any injury or damage is sustained by a person who, at the time the injury or damage was sustained, was committing a willful trespass, or was committing or attempting to commit a crime or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog. (b) No dog shall be impounded, if the dog was protecting or defending a person within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unlawful attack or assault. (c) No dog shall be impounded, if any injury or damage is sustained by a person who, at the time the injury or damage was sustained, was teasing, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog. (d) No dog utilized by any police department or any law enforcement officer shall be impounded or declared a dangerous or vicious dog for any injury or damage sustained by any person, if the injury or damage was sustained in the performance of police work.
6.08.110.11 Conditions of ownership of a dangerous or vicious dog.
Level 1
(a) The following conditions shall be inspected, verified or enforced by the animal control officer. The dog owner shall accomplish the following conditions at the owner's expense on or before the time period/s specified.
(b) The owner of a dog determined to be dangerous or vicious, may be prohibited by the city from owning, possessing, controlling, or having custody of any dog for a period of up to three years, when it is found that these conditions are not being met:
(1) Only one dangerous or vicious dogs is allowed per household. (2) Acquire rabies vaccination within ten business days; (3) Microchip the dog within ten business days for dog tracking; October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
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(4) The dog must be spayed or neutered within sixty days. The dog shall not be bred or permitted to give birth prior to the surgical altering of the dog. The owner shall immediately notify the dog control officer, if the dog is accidentally bred or has been diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian as being pregnant;
(5) Obtain a dangerous dog permit from the city prior to release (the permit is nontransferable and only valid at the location/address specified upon the request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing or upon the location allowed by the hearing officer); (6) At all times securely contain the dog within the residence, in a secure enclosure capable of containing the dog or by appropriate restraint. All gates leading into the enclosure must be padlocked to preclude the escape of the dog. If the dog is kept within the residence the owner shall preclude the dog from bolting out any door when opened; (7) If the dog is kept within an enclosure, the enclosure shall be maintained by the owner and shall be inspected daily by the owner, and maintained when needed; (8) Post a sign on every gate or entryway of the property where the dog is maintained. Such notice shall either be purchased from the city or be approved by the city. The notice shall state:
(a) Be no less than twenty-four inches by twenty inches; (b) "Beware Dangerous Dog" in three-inch letters in high contrast on a black background; (c) In both English and Spanish.
(9) The dog must be muzzled, restrained by a substantial leash not exceeding eight feet in length and under the control of an adult eighteen years or older whenever the dog is off the property. All other dogs shall be placed into an appropriate dog carrier when removed from the property. At no time shall a dog be left unattended when off the property of the owner; (10) Possess and maintain general liability insurance or a "personal umbrella liability policy" from an insurer licensed to practice in the State of California, in a single incident amount of not less than twenty-five thousand dollars for each dog declared dangerous covering property damage and bodily injury caused by dangerous dogs for as long as he or she owns, keeps or harbors the dog.
The policy shall contain a provision requiring that the City of Exeter be notified by the insurance company upon cancellation, termination or expiration of the policy. Proof of such insurance shall be filed with dog control;
(11) A probationary period of three years; in which, the owner must maintain and comply with the conditions of ownership;
(12) Written authorization must be obtained from the property owner (if not the dog owner) or rental/lease agency to keep, maintain or house the dog; (13) Exeter Animal Control shall have the right to conduct no notice inspections to ensure compliance with this section;
(14) The hearing officer may require additional conditions or restrictions upon the ownership of the dog. The hearing officer shall not delete or modify present conditions; (15) 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.
Owner must submit evidence to the animal control officer of successful completion of training during probationary period.
Level 2
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(a) The following conditions shall be inspected, verified or enforced by the animal control officer. The dog owner shall accomplish the following conditions at the owner's expense on or before the time period/s specified by these conditions.
(b) The owner of a dog determined to be dangerous or vicious, may be prohibited by the city from owning, possessing, controlling, or having custody of any dog for a period of up to three years, when it is found that these conditions are not being met:
(1) Only one dangerous or vicious dog is allowed per household. (2) Acquire rabies vaccination within ten business days; (3) Microchip the dog within ten business days for dog tracking; (4) The dog must be spayed or neutered within sixty days. The dog shall not be bred or permitted to give birth prior to the surgical altering of the dog. The owner shall immediately notify the dog control officer, if the dog is accidentally bred or has been diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian as being pregnant;
(5) Obtain a dangerous dog permit from the city prior to release (the permit is nontransferable and only valid at the location/address specified upon the request for a dangerous or vicious dog hearing or upon the location allowed by the hearing officer); (6) At all times securely contain the dog within the residence, in a secure enclosure capable of containing the dog or by appropriate restraint. All gates leading into the enclosure must be padlocked to preclude the escape of the dog. If the dog is kept within the residence the owner shall preclude the dog from bolting out any door when opened; (7) If the dog is kept within an enclosure, the enclosure shall be maintained by the owner and shall be inspected daily by the owner, and maintained when needed; (8) Post a sign on every gate or entryway of the property where the dog is maintained. Such notice shall either be purchased from the city or be approved by the city. The notice shall (state):
(a) Be no less than twenty-four inches by twenty inches; (b) "Beware Dangerous Dog" in three-inch letters in high contrast on a black background; (c) In both English and Spanish.
(9) The dog must be muzzled, restrained by a substantial leash not exceeding eight feet in length and under the control of an adult eighteen years or older whenever the dog is off the property. All other dogs shall be placed into an appropriate dog carrier when removed from the property. At no time shall a dog be left unattended when off the property of the owner; (10) Possess and maintain general liability insurance or a "personal umbrella liability policy" from an insurer licensed to practice in the State of California, in a single incident amount of not less than one hundred thousand dollars for each dog declared dangerous covering property damage and bodily injury caused by dangerous dogs for as long as he or she owns, keeps or harbors the dog.
The policy shall contain a provision requiring that the City of Exeter be notified by the insurance company upon cancellation, termination or expiration of the policy. Proof of such insurance shall be filed with dog control;
(11) Written authorization must be obtained from the property owner (if not the dog owner) or rental/lease agency to keep, maintain or house the dog; (12) A probationary period of five years, in which, the owner must maintain and comply with the conditions of ownership;
(13) Exeter Animal Control shall have the right to conduct no notice inspections to ensure compliance with this section;
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(14) The hearing officer may require additional conditions or restrictions upon the ownership of the dog. The hearing officer shall not delete or modify present conditions; (15) 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.
Owner must submit evidence to the animal control officer of successful completion of training during probationary period.
6.08.110.12 Transfer of ownership.
It shall be unlawful for the owner to give away, sale [sell] or relocate any dog, which has been declared a dangerous dog while the dog is currently under probation. Transfer of ownership or relocation must be approved prior to transfer by the city administrator. Current and future owner must complete and sign the transfer of ownership. The new owner must accept all conditions of ownership. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of five hundred dollars per day of violation.
6.08.110.13 Violation of probation.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog declared dangerous to violate any of the probationary terms set forth in the conditions of ownership of a dangerous dog. Any violation shall result in the immediate impoundment of the dog. The dog shall be summarily declared a vicious dog and humanely destroyed. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six months or by a fine of one thousand dollars or by both fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 297 §6.02, 1973; Ord. No. 652, 5-11-2010)
6.08.120 Poundmaster—Enforcement.
A. The poundmaster shall enforce all of the laws of the city, county and state relating to the care, treatment and impounding of dogs. Furthermore, it is the duty of the poundmaster to file legal complaints against dog owners when the same appears to be in the public interest.
B. It is made the duty of the poundmaster, whether enumerated as a duty or not, to enforce any other sections of this chapter or any provisions of Chapter 6.04, which adopts by reference that portion of the County Ordinance Code concerning the licensing and control of dogs and control of rabies, and any amendments and additions thereto hereafter made.
(Ord. 297 §§2.01, 2.06, 1973)
6.08.130 Poundmaster—Impoundment—Posting of notice.
Promptly upon the impounding of a dog, the poundmaster shall post in the lobby of the city hall a description of the dog and the approximate time that the dog was taken into possession. No other attempt need be made to notify the owner unless the dog is wearing a license tag issued by the county, in which case a card or letter shall be promptly mailed to the owner as shown by the county dog license records. (Ord. 297 §2.02, 1973)
6.08.140 Poundmaster—Impoundment—Payment for reclamation.
The owner of any impounded dog shall have the right to reclaim the same at any time prior to the lawful disposition thereof, upon payment to the poundmaster of the fines and charges hereinafter provided in this chapter.
(Ord. 297 §2.03, 1973)
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Commented [RH1]: We need input on this regarding the
method of trying to notify owners. Visalia likely won’t post impounded dogs at Exeter City Hall.
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6.08.150 Impoundment—Fines and charges.
A. The fines and charges for violators of the provisions of this chapter, in addition to those fines and charges required to be paid to the county assessed in accordance with the adopted Tulare County ordinance and administrative charges established by agreement with the City of Visalia Animal Care Center forupon impounded dogs, are as follows:
1. Any offense, ten dollars minimum and five hundred dollars maximum;
2. For the purposes of this section, the court may consider as prior offenses only those violations which have occurred within a three-year period prior to the present offense.
B. No dog shall be surrendered by the poundmaster until all fines and charges have been paid in full. (Ord. 297 §2.08, 1973; Ord. 350 §2, 1977)
6.08.160 Poundmaster—Impoundment—Destruction of unfit or dangerous dog.
It shall be the duty of the poundmaster, and he is authorized and empowered, to forthwith destroy any dog lawfully impounded which is by reason of age, disease or other cause, unfit for further use, or is dangerous to keep impounded.
(Ord. 297 §2.09, 1973)
6.08.170 Poundmaster—Right to enter premises.
The poundmaster is authorized to enter upon any premises for the purpose of taking up, seizing or impounding any dog which, according to the provisions of this chapter, he is authorized to seize and impound, except that the poundmaster shall not seize or impound a dog for violation of Section 6.08.050 when the dog has not strayed from and is upon private property owned by the dog owner or the person who has a right to control the dog, or upon private property to which the dog owner or person who has a right to control the dog has a right of possession. Furthermore, a dog that has strayed from but then returned to the private property of his owner or the person who has a right to control the dog shall not be seized or impounded, but in such a case a citation may be issued; provided, however, that if in such a situation the owner or person who has a right to control the dog is not home, the dog may be impounded, but the poundmaster shall post a notice of such impounding on the front door of the living unit of the owner or person who has a right to control the dog. Such notice shall state the following: That the dog has been impounded, where the dog is being held, the name, address, and telephone number of the agency or person to be contacted regarding release of the dog, and an indication of the ultimate disposition of the dog if no action to regain it is taken within a specified period of time by its owner or by the person who has a right to control the dog.
(Ord. 297 §2.04, 1973; Ord. 350 §1, 1977)
6.08.180 Exhibition of license.
No person shall fail or refuse to exhibit the registration of any dog required to be licensed by the county when requested to do so by the poundmaster.
(Ord. 297 §2.05, 1973)
6.08.190 Interference with poundmaster prohibited.
No person shall interfere with the poundmaster or his deputies in the performance of their official duties.
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(Ord. 297 §2.07, 1973)
6.08.200 Conflict with county ordinance.
If any portion of this chapter is in conflict with that portion of the County Ordinance Code concerning the licensing and control of dogs and control of rabies which was adopted by reference by Chapter 6.04, the County Ordinance Code shall prevail.
(Ord. 297 §6.05, 1973)
6.08.210 Violation—Penalty.
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction of the law, and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable as defined in Section 6.08.150. Each person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for every day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person, firm, or corporation and shall be punishable therefor as provided by this chapter.
(Ord. 297 §6.04, 1973)
CHAPTER 6.12. ISSUANCE OF CITATIONS2DOGS AND CATS
Sections:
6.12.010 Limitation of number of cats and dogs.
6.12.020 Excessive noise.
6.12.030 License required.
6.12.040 Licensing exceptions.
6.12.050 Issuance of license and tag.
6.12.060 Licenses--Original license--Time limits.
6.12.070 Vaccination requirement for licenser.
6.12.080 Term of license.
6.12.090 License fees--Dogs or cats.
6.12.100 License fee exemption.
6.12.110 Delinquent penalties.
6.12.120 Extension of time--Dogs or cats too ill to be vaccinated.
6.12.130 Replacing lost or stolen tags.
6.12.140 License transferable.
6.12.150 Affixing license tag.
6.12.160 Improper affixing of tags.
2 State law reference(s)—For statutory provisions on the qualifications and authority of humane officers, see Civil Code §§607f and 607g.
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6.12.170 Removal of tag.
6.12.180 Display of tag.
6.12.190 Licensing and microchipping impounded animals.
6.12.200 Spay/neuter compliance for shelter animals.
6.12.010 Limitation of number of cats and dogs.
No person shall keep, harbor or maintain upon his premises within the city more than a total of four cats and/or dogs combined over the age of four months unless said person comes within one of the following conditions:
A. Upon reasonable showing of necessity to the animal control officer, a person may be permitted to keep a fifth cat or dog for a period of time not to exceed thirty (30) days; B. A person who had on or before the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title five or more licensed dogs and/or cats in the city shall be required to obtain a yearly kennel permit. Kennel permit requirements are listed in Chapter 6.28 and shall apply whether or not the person is maintaining the kennel for commercial purposes. the kennel permit fee shall be set annually by resolution of the City Council.
C. The permit will be for a calendar year, or any
part thereof in which the permit is required, with the permit fee due and payable on January 1st of each year.
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.
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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 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.
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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:
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.
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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.
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 Formatted: Font: 12 pt, Bold
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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.
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.
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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.
6.12.010 Generally.
All employees of the police department of the city, or any other municipal police department within the county, and employees of nonprofit corporation who have qualified as humane officers pursuant to Section 607(f) of the Civil Code of the state, shall have authority to issue notices to appear in court pursuant to Chapters 6.04,
6.08 and this chapter of the Exeter Municipal Code. The authorization to issue notices to appear granted to other municipal police department personnel and/or nonprofit corporation employees who have qualified as humane officers, shall continue in effect only so long as an agreement is in effect between the city and such other municipality or nonprofit corporation under which said other entity provides animal control services to the city. (Ord. 328 §1, 1975; Ord. 537 §3, 1994)
CHAPTER 6.16. FOWL AND OTHERDANGEROUS OR VICIOUS ANIMALS 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.
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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:
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 Formatted: Font: 12 pt, Bold
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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 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;
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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).
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.
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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;
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 _______.
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6.16.010 Number of fowl and other animals.
A. Not more than ten animals, in all, including hares, rabbits and guinea pigs shall be kept on any residential parcels within the city.
B. Not more than ten birds, in all, including pigeons, doves, chickens, ducks, game birds or similar fowl shall be kept on any residential properties within the city. Roosters are not permitted on any properties within the city limits other than those parcels that are zoned RA (rural residential), UR (urban reserve) or A (agriculture) districts.
C. Birds, excluding the above-listed birds, kept as household pets are permitted in all residential districts. (Ord. No. 661 §1, 2013)
6.16.020 Prohibited animals.
A. The following animals are prohibited within the city limits, excluding properties that are zoned to the RA (rural residential), UR (urban reserve) or A (agriculture) districts:
1. Swine;
2. Cattle, sheep, goats, and other members of the bovine and ovine families;
3. Horses;
4. Reptiles and amphibians as defined in the California Fish and Game Code;
5. Turkeys, geese and roosters.
(Ord. No. 661 §1, 2013)
6.16.030 Containment.
A. All permitted fowl and other animals shall be housed in cages, hutches, or coops that shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all time.
B. All cages, hutches and coops shall be located in the rear yard area of parcels in residential districts. (Ord. No. 661 §1, 2013)
CHAPTER 6.20. SHELTER OPERATIONS AND ANIMAL RELEASERABIES 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.
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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.
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 Formatted: Font: 12 pt, Bold
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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.
6.20.010 Spay/Neuter Compliance for Shelter Animals
A. A spay or neuter deposit shall be required upon the redemption or adoption of any unaltered dog or cat originating from within the City of Exeter and taken to the City of Visalia Animal Care Center pursuant to an agreement between the City of Visalia and the City of Exeter. This requirement is authorized under California Food and Agricultural Code §30503. All deposits collected shall be retained by the City of Visalia and placed in a dedicated fund used exclusively for low-cost spay or neuter surgeries for future shelter animals. The deposit shall be refunded to the owner if, within thirty (30) business days of adoption or redemption, the owner provides satisfactory proof that the animal has been spayed or neutered. If no proof is provided, the deposit shall become non-refundable.
B. Any dog or cat over four (4) months of age, originating from the City of Exeter and redeemed or adopted from the City of Visalia Animal Care Center pursuant to the agreement, shall be spayed or neutered prior to release from the facility. Animals under four (4) months of age 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 licensed veterinarian certifies that the procedure must be postponed due to medical necessity.
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.
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• 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.
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:
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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.
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 Formatted: Font: 14 pt, Bold
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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;
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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.
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.
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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.
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ORDINANCE NO. _______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EXTER REPEALING AND REPLACING TITLE 6 ANIMALS (CHAPTERS 6.04 THROUGH 6.16) AND ADDING CHAPTERS 6.20, 6.22,
6.24, AND 6.28 TO THE CITY OF EXETER MUNICIPAL CODE
Sections:
6.04.010 Definitions.
6.04.020 Poundmaster.
6.04.030 Records.
6.04.040 Visalia animal care center.
6.04.050 Impounding animals.
6.04.060 Right to enter premises.
6.04.070 Interference with duties.
6.04.080 Duties of animal control officer.
6.04.090 Authority of animal control officer.
6.04.100 Penalties.
6.04.010 Definitions.
As used in this title, the following terms are defined:
“Abandon” means to completely forsake and desert an animal previously under the custody or possession of a person, without making reasonable arrangements to provide for its proper care, sustenance, shelter and medical care or fails to lawfully surrender the animal after made aware of its impoundment. “Aggressive” means showing a readiness or having a tendency to attack or to do harm to a human being or animal.
“Altered” for a female, means having been spayed; for a male means having been neutered. “Animal” means any living vertebrate member of the animal kingdom, excluding man. “Animal control officer” means any person designated by the state of California, city, or Tulare County as a law enforcement officer who is qualified to perform such duties under the laws of this state. “Animal shelter” means any facility operated by a humane society, or public agency, or its authorized agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this title or state law. “Animal Services” shall mean the Animal Services Division of the City of Exeter or that entity assigned by contract to serve as such division and provide the animal control officers for the city. “At large” means off the premises of the person owning or having the possession, charge, custody, or control of the animal and not under the immediate control of a person by means of an enclosure, leash, rope, or other means of immediate effective physical control.
“Auction” means any place or facility where animals are regularly bought, sold or traded, except for those facilities otherwise defined in this title. This section does not apply to individual sales of animals by owners. “Breeder” means any person, persons or business who breeds one or more litters of dogs and/or cats in one year for sale or profit.
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“Business day” means Monday through Friday, excluding holidays recognized by the City or any contracting entity provided Animal Services by the closure of City or contracting entity’s administrative offices. “Cat” means any member of the feline family, wild and domesticated, and shall be intended to mean both male and female.
“Circus” means a commercial variety show featuring animal acts for public entertainment. “Commercial animal establishment” means any pet shop, grooming shop, auction, riding school or stable, zoological park, circus, performing animal exhibit, or boarding kennel. “Dangerous/vicious animal” means any animal, which has been determined by the animal control officer after an investigation to have attacked, bitten, or caused an injury in an aggressive manner or caused an injury to a person or injured an animal while at large.
“Dog” means any member of the canine family, wild or domesticated, and shall be intended to mean both male and female.
“Domestic animals” means animals such as are habituated to live in or about the habitations of persons or such as to contribute to the support of a family or the wealth of the community. “Exotic animal” means any animal, either wild or domesticated belonging by nature or origin to another part of the world.
“Fowl” means any chicken, duck, goose, turkey, guinea, pigeon, swan, peacock or other fowl. “Hearing officer” means any person appointed by the City Manager to preside over the administrative hearing described in Chapter 6.16 for dangerous/vicious animals. “Impoundment” means the taking up and confinement of any animal in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or other facility.
“Kennel” means any premises, wherein any person keeps five or more dogs and/or cats over four months of age except pet shops for noncommercial purposes.
“Litter” means two or more offspring from the same female dog or cat. “Livestock” means any large animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, mules, goats, and other domestic animals raised typically raised for agricultural uses.
“Owner” means any person, partnership, firm or corporation owning, keeping or harboring one or more animals.
An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for three consecutive days or more. “Performing animal exhibition” means any spectacle, display, act, or event other than circuses, in which performing animals are used.
“Person” means any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, joint venture or entity. “Pet” means any animal kept for pleasure rather than utility. “Pet shop” means any person, partnership, firm or corporation whether operated separately or in connection with another business enterprise except for licensed kennels, that buy, sell, or board any species of animal. “Poundmaster” means the party appointed by the city council pursuant to § 6.04.020. That person may be the party with whom the city has contracted for the performance of pound services or a designated division of city personnel.
“Premises” means a house, other dwelling, a yard or other area or an automobile so enclosed as to prevent a dog from escaping.
“Private property” means that property of which a person or persons has the exclusive right of disposition. “Public nuisance” means any animal or animals which:
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1. Molests passersby or chases passing vehicles;
2. Attacks other animals;
3. Trespasses on school grounds;
4. Is repeatedly at large;
5. Damages private or public property;
6. Barks, whines, or howls in an excessive or untimely fashion. “Public place” means any park, public building, playground, street, road, alleyway, or any other place open to general public.
“Restraint” means a leash not in excess of eight feet, a tethered lead, or a fenced enclosure which keeps the animal under the control of a responsible person or within the real property limits of its owner. “Service Animal” means any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuas with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.
“Veterinary hospital” means any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals. “Wild animal” means any nondomesticated animal living in a feral state.
6.04.020 Poundmaster.
The office of Poundmaster is established. The Poundmaster shall be appointed or designated by the city council and may be either a person, firm, association, corporation, or a designated division of City personnel. The Poundmaster shall serve for such period of time and shall receive such compensation as shall be established by the city council by ordinance, resolution, policy, or by contract. If an association, corporation, public entity, or designated division of city personnel is appointed as Poundmaster, then each officer and employee of such association, corporation, public entity or designated division is authorized to perform duties under this title shall be deemed to be a Poundmaster and shall have all of the rights and duties of the Poundmaster which are set forth in this title.
6.04.030 Records.
The Poundmaster shall keep a record of every animal impounded pursuant to this title which shall include a description of the animal, the date of receipt, the date and manner of disposal, the name of the person redeeming or purchasing, and the fees, charges and proceeds of sales received on account of said animal, and such additional records as may be required by the city council from time to time.
A.
6.04.040 Animal care center .
There shall be provided by the city council, or by the Poundmaster upon such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed upon by the Poundmaster and the city council, a suitable building or enclosure to keep and safely hold all animals to be impounded pursuant to the provisions of this title, and said building or enclosure shall be known and designated as the “Animal Care Center.”
6.04.050 Impounding animals.
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The Poundmaster shall take up, impound and safely keep any dog which is found running at large contrary to the provisions of this title within the incorporated territory of the city.
6.04.060 Right to enter premises.
The Poundmaster is authorized to enter upon any premises for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this title.
6.04.070 Interference with duties.
It is unlawful for any person to hinder, obstruct or interfere with the Poundmaster in the performance of his official duties.
6.04.080 Duties of animal control officer.
The duties of the animal control officer shall be as follows:
A. To take up and impound any dog or other animals, (except cats), found to be running at large, staked, tied or being herded or pastured in any public place within the city or upon the premises of any person other than the owner of such dog or other animal;
B. To make a complete registry of impounded dogs and cats, showing in detail in the case of each animal, the date of receipt, the breed, color, and sex of such animal, and if licensed, the number of such license and the name and address of owners;
C. To notify by mail the owner of any animal, bearing identification, impounded by the animal control officer, stating that such animal is confined at the Animal Care Center, and specify the amount necessary to reclaim or redeem the same and the period which the animal will be held before destroying or otherwise disposing of the same.
6.04.090 Authority of animal control officer.
A. Each animal control officer shall have and is vested with the authority of a public officer. The animal control officers may, in the performance of their duties, enter upon any property pursuant to law, to ascertain if any of the provisions of this title or any state laws relating to disease, care, treatment or cruelty to animals are being violated.
Each animal control officer may issue citations for the violation of the provisions of this title, any state law, or city ordinance in the manner prescribed by the ordinance, and remove animals from said premises if they deem necessary. The authority to issue citations in the manner prescribed by the city shall be alternative to any other authority provided by law.
B. Any animal control officer of the city shall have police powers in the enforcement of this title and no person shall interfere with, hinder, molest or abuse any animal control officer of the city in the exercise of such powers.
C. In the performance of duties for the control of animals, the animal control officer shall have the authority to employ the use of the tranquilizer gun or other animal control devices in common use within the state of California.
6.04.100 Penalties.
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A. Except as otherwise provided herein, any person violating any provision of this title shall be deemed guilty of an infraction, subject to penalties in accordance with Section ___________. Alternatively the city may choose to enforce violations through the administrative code enforcement process described in Chapter _____ of this Code.
B. For violations of Section ________ (Maintaining a dangerous/vicious animal), when the owner or custodian of an animal is deemed responsible for the acts committed by that animal when the owner fails to comply with legal requirement for keeping the animal secure and under control, in any case wherein an animal attacks, bites or injures a human being or another animal, the owner or custodian of the animal is in violation of this Code of Ordinances and such violation may be charged as a misdemeanor in accordance with Section _______ or alternatively as an administrative code violation under Chapter _______.
C. Any person who violates Section ________ (Violation of Quarantine) shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
CHAPTER 6.08. ANIMAL PROTECTION AND CONTROL
Chapter 6.08
ANIMAL PROTECTION AND CONTROL
Sections:
6.08.010 Animal care.
6.08.020 Restraint of animals.
6.08.030 Public nuisance.
6.08.040 Interference with highways.
6.08.050 Animals and fowl at large.
6.08.060 Biting animals.
6.08.070 Keeping of bees unlawful.
6.08.080 Bees--Public nuisance.
6.08.090 Disposal of dead animals.
6.08.100 Animal waste.
6.08.110 Service animals.
6.08.120 Abandonment.
6.08.130 Police canine units--Protection of.
6.08.140 Construction.
6.08.010 Animal care.
It is unlawful for the owners or persons having custody of any animal to permit, either willfully or through failure to exercise due care or control, any cruel acts upon said animal. Cruel acts are defined as follows:
A. To place, leave or expose, making accessible to animals, any poisonous substance; B. To have, keep, or harbor any animal which is infected with any dangerous or incurable or painfully crippling condition, except as hereinafter provided. All such diseased or crippled animals with an incurable ailment taken into custody of the city shall be transferred to the Poundmaster for impoundment. This section shall not apply to animals within veterinary hospitals or under the care of a veterinarian, or having been diagnosed with any October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
common, incurable disease where impoundment or quarantine is not recommended by a doctor of veterinary medicine;
C. To fail, refuse or neglect to provide any animal in their charge or custody as owner or otherwise, with food, drink, shade or weatherproof housing facilities, or to carry any animal in or upon any vehicle in a cruel or inhumane manner;
D. To willfully, or maliciously kill, maim, disfigure, tease, torture, beat with a stick, chain, club or other object, mutilate, burn, scald with any substance, over-drive or otherwise cruelly set upon any animal, except that a reasonable force may be employed to drive off vicious or trespassing animals; E. To hobble livestock or other animals by means of chains which are composed of tempered or other permanent wire links;
F. To drive or work any animal in a cruel manner when such animal is unfit for such work; G. To promote, stage, hold, manage, conduct, carry on or attend any game, exhibition, contest, or fight in which one or more animals are engaged for the purpose of injuring, killing, maiming or destroying themselves or any other animal or person;
H. No person or business shall give away any live vertebrate animal as a prize for, or as an inducement to enter, any contest, game or other competition, or as an inducement to enter a place of amusement or offer such vertebrate as an incentive to enter into any business agreement whereby the offer was for the purpose of attracting trade;
I. No person shall keep upon any premises, any animals, including any fowl or household pets in a foul, offensive, obnoxious, filthy or unsanitary condition.
6.08.020 Restraint of animals.
A. Any person owning or having charge, custody, care or control of any animal (except cats) kept or harbored in the city shall confine such animal exclusively upon such owner's premises, except when otherwise properly restrained as hereinafter provided, or unless pursuant to Section 6.08.021 below.
B. No person shall allow or permit any animal (except cats that are spayed or neutered and currently licensed by the City) to run at large, or be pastured, herded, staked, or tied in or on any public alley, street sidewalk, vacant lot, school grounds, or other public place belonging to or under the control of the city or in such a way as to trespass in any manner upon any of the aforesaid public places.
C. No person shall permit any animal (except cats that are spayed or neutered and currently licensed by the City) to be at large or to go or be upon the premises owned or occupied by any other person in the city without said person's consent.
D. All dogs shall be kept under restraint at all times, otherwise they will be classed as running at large.
E. Any animal (except cats that are spayed or neutered and currently licensed by the City) permitted to be at large or trespassing upon private premises or public property in violation of this section shall be deemed prima facie to be under the control of the animal’s owner and is declared to be a public nuisance and menace to public health and safety, and shall be seized and impounded as provided in this title.
F. No owners shall fail to exercise proper care and control of their animals, (except cats) to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance. Excessive continuous or untimely barking, or other noise, molesting passersby, chasing vehicles, habitually attacking other domestic animals, trespassing upon private property in such manner as to damage property, shall be deemed a public nuisance.
G. Every female dog or cat in heat shall be confined in a building or secure enclosure in such manner that such female dog or cat cannot come into contact with another animal except for planned breeding.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
H. No persons shall keep or permit to be kept on their premises any wild, exotic, or vicious animal for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee. This section shall not be construed so as to apply to a permitted zoological garden, commercial animal establishment, theatrical exhibit or circus as defined in Section
6.04.010, except that no theatrical exhibit or act shall be held in which animals are encouraged to perform through the use of chemical, electrical, or mechanical devices.
I. No person shall keep or permit to be kept any wild animal as a pet.
6.08.021 Leash-free dog area.
The city of Exeter has created a designated fenced area, located at 136 S.F Street, City of Exeter, where dogs will be allowed to be off-leash, notwithstanding the prohibitions contained in Section 6.08.020 and in this Chapter. The following rules and regulations shall apply to the use of said off-leash area by owners and their dogs:
1. Owners are legally responsible for their dog(s) and any injuries caused by their dog(s). Use of the dog area is at owner's risk.
2. No dog(s) under the age of four months shall be allowed in an off-leash dog area.
3. All dogs must have current vaccinations as required in this Code.
4. All dogs must be licensed. All licenses must be on the dogs' collar and the collar must be on the dog at all times.
5. No dog(s) in heat are allowed within the off-leash dog area.
6. Owners may not have more than three dogs with them in the off-leash dog area at any given time.
7. Dogs shall be escorted to and from the off-leash area on a leash which does not exceed six feet in length.
8. Owners are responsible for the immediate removal of fecal matter deposited in the off-leash area by their dog(s). All feces must be properly disposed of in the receptacles provided within the off-leash area.
9. No aggressive dogs are allowed within the off-leash dog area. A dog displaying aggressive behavior to people or dogs is required to immediately leave the park for that day.
10. No children under the age of ten are allowed in the off-leash dog area. Children ages ten—fourteen must be accompanied by an adult.
11. Sports activities, bicycles, picnics, etc., are not permitted in the off-leash dog area.
12. The city of Exeter Animal Control, Code Enforcer, and Police Officer shall have the right to enter an offleash dog area and enforce all animal control regulations by the authority given to them under Title 6 the Exeter Municipal Code.
13. Violators of the above-stated rules may be removed from the park and park privileges may be suspended.
14. The city of Exeter reserves the right to close the off-leash dog areas.
15. Dogs shall not be left unattended in the off-leash dog area. Handler must be with the dog(s) at all times.
16. The city of Exeter can make special reservations for events and/activities such as shot clinics and/or agility competitions, etc.
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6.08.030 Public nuisance.
It is declared a public nuisance for any animal, except cats that are spayed or neutered or currently licensed by the City, to run at large or to be on property other than that of the owner of the animal, without the property owner's consent.
A. Wherever any animal control officer or peace officer finds a public nuisance to exist within the meaning of this chapter, they shall notify the owner of the animal by registered mail that the owner shall either abate said nuisance within ten days or show cause why said nuisance should not be summarily abated.
B. If said nuisance is not abated and no show of cause is made, the animal control officer may then issue a citation to the owner of the animal or may impound the animal which is creating the nuisance. Any animal so impounded shall be taken to the City Animal Shelter.
C. In lieu of acting under divisions A. or B. above, the Poundmaster may determine that any at large cat that has not been spayed or neutered may be seized by an animal control officer or captured in a humane manner by a private citizen and submitted to the Animal Care Center to be neutered or spayed and vaccinated. After being altered the cat may then be released in the area where it was found at the discretion of the animal control services division operating such a spay/neuter and release program as a means to help control the community cat population. acting under the authority of this section shall be at the discretion of the Poundmaster.
6.08.040 Interference with highways.
It is unlawful for the owner of a dog to allow or permit the dog to attack pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles or other users of the public highways.
6.08.050 Animals and fowl at large.
In addition to household pets, no person shall allow or permit any other animals or fowl, except cats that are spayed or neutered or currently licensed by the City, to run at large upon any public street or place, or to trespass upon the property of another. This provision shall not be construed as permitting the running at large of any household pets who are restricted by the provisions of this title, or by any law applicable thereto.
6.08.060 Biting animals.
It is unlawful for any person to suffer, or permit any dog, cat or other animal owned, harbored or controlled by him, to inflict upon any human being a bite that penetrates the skin while the person bitten is on any public place, or legally upon any private property. The person bitten may request the animal control officer to initiate criminal proceedings against such other person by submitting a signed, written complaint.
6.08.070 Keeping of bees unlawful.
It shall be unlawful and a misdemeanor for any individual or entity to bring, have, keep, or maintain, within the city, at any time between the first day of June and the first day of October, in any year, any swarm or swarms, colony or colonies of honey bees.
6.08.080 Bees--Public nuisance.
Any swarm or swarms, colony or colonies of honey bees so brought, had, kept or maintained, within the city at any time between the first day of June and the first day of October in any year, shall constitute a public nuisance.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
6.08.090 Disposal of dead animals.
A. Except as provided in subsection (B) of this section, removal and disposal of dead animals from public property will be done by the animal control officer.
B. Removal and disposal of dead animals from private property within the city limits will be done upon request of the owner, occupant or resident of the property. The fee for this service shall be set by resolution of the city council. The owner or person in charge of any dead animal shall pay the fee. The animal control officer shall not be required to remove and dispose of dead dogs from state highways or from state property or federal property within the city.
C. Upon learning that the body of a dead animal has not been disposed of in a safe and sanitary manner the animal control officer shall remove and dispose of said carcass immediately. The owner, occupant, or resident of the property shall be billed the applicable fee and the cost of the animal control officer responding to the incident.
6.08.100 Animal waste.
The owners of any animal shall be responsible for the removal of any excreta deposited by their animal(s) on public walks, recreation areas, or private property.
6.08.110 Service animals.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no service animal trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability shall be confined, impounded, or humanely terminated in the absence of evidence that such dog has been exposed to rabies unless the master of such dog:
A. Fails to keep the dog safely confined to the premises of the master; or B. Fails to keep the dog vaccinated against rabies.
6.08.120 Abandonment.
It is unlawful for any person to abandon any animal within the city. In addition to any fines imposed by law, any person violating this section shall bear full costs and expenses incurred by the city in the care of said abandoned animal and shall reimburse to the city all said costs set annually by resolution of the City Council.
6.08.130 Police canine units--Protection of.
It is unlawful for any person to willfully or maliciously torture, tease, torment, beat, kick, strike, mutilate, injure, disable or kill any dog used by the city police department, or any other law enforcement agency while engaged in mutual aid assistance to this city, or the designated handlers of such animals, while any such dog is in the performance of the functions or duties of the police department or other law enforcement agency, or to willfully interfere with or obstruct any such dog while it is being used in the performance of any of the duties or functions of the department or other law enforcement agency.
6.08.140 Construction.
No provisions of this chapter shall be construed to prohibit any act made unlawful by any general law of the state of California, but said chapter is intended to be supplemental thereto.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council
CHAPTER 6.12. DOGS AND CATS
Sections:6.12.010 Limitation of number of cats and dogs.
6.12.020 Excessive noise.
6.12.030 License required.
6.12.040 Licensing exceptions.
6.12.050 Issuance of license and tag.
6.12.060 Licenses--Original license--Time limits.
6.12.070 Vaccination requirement for licenser.
6.12.080 Term of license.
6.12.090 License fees--Dogs or cats.
6.12.100 License fee exemption.
6.12.110 Delinquent penalties.
6.12.120 Extension of time--Dogs or cats too ill to be vaccinated.
6.12.130 Replacing lost or stolen tags.
6.12.140 License transferable.
6.12.150 Affixing license tag.
6.12.160 Improper affixing of tags.
6.12.170 Removal of tag.
6.12.180 Display of tag.
6.12.190 Licensing and microchipping impounded animals.
6.12.200 Spay/neuter compliance for shelter animals.
6.12.010 Limitation of number of cats and dogs.
No person shall keep, harbor or maintain upon his premises within the city more than a total of four cats and/or dogs combined over the age of four months unless said person comes within one of the following conditions:
A. Upon reasonable showing of necessity to the animal control officer, a person may be permitted to keep a fifth cat or dog for a period of time not to exceed thirty (30) days; B. A person who had on or before the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title five or more licensed dogs and/or cats in the city shall be required to obtain a yearly kennel permit. Kennel permit requirements are listed in Chapter 6.28 and shall apply whether or not the person is maintaining the kennel for commercial purposes. the kennel permit fee shall be set annually by resolution of the City Council.
C. The permit will be for a calendar year, or any
part thereof in which the permit is required, with the permit fee due and payable on January 1st of each year.
October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council