Bakersfield, California

6.04.150 Impounded animals—Redemption procedure.

An animal owner of any animal impounded may, at any time before the release or other disposition, redeem the same by paying the shelter all required fees and charges, including, but not limited to, vaccination and licensing fees. Animals impounded more than once shall be spayed or neutered prior to redemption.

Chapter 6.07 MANDATORY SPAY AND NEUTER

6.07.010 Findings.

The city council finds and declares that a program for mandatory spaying/neutering of dogs combined with a certification system for unaltered dogs kept within the city of Bakersfield is a reasonable and effective means of reducing the population of homeless or stray dogs, reducing the need to euthanize healthy dogs, and providing for the health, safety and welfare of the public.

6.07.020 Definitions.

“Unaltered animal certification” means a written authorization, issued annually by the director of animal control, giving permission to maintain an unaltered dog. Fees for the certification shall be established by resolution of the city council. 

6.07.030 Mandatory spaying/neutering.

A. No person shall keep a dog over the age of six months which has not been spayed or neutered unless such person holds an unaltered animal certification for the animal issued pursuant to Section 6.07.040.

B. Any person intentionally providing care or sustenance for a dog shall be deemed the owner of such dog and shall comply with this section.

C. The following animals are exempt from the provisions of this section:

1. Dogs documented as having been appropriately trained and actually being used by public law enforcement agencies for law enforcement purposes, or dogs designated as breeding stock for law enforcement purposes by an appropriate agency or organization approved by the director of animal control after consultation with knowledgeable professionals;

2. Dogs certified by a licensed veterinarian as having a health reason for not being spayed/neutered; or

3. Dogs which are owned and in the custody and control of persons who do not reside in the city of Bakersfield, but who are temporarily visiting the city of Bakersfield or traveling through the city of Bakersfield. 

6.07.040 Unaltered animal certification—Administration.

A. The director of animal control shall administer a certification program to allow for unaltered animals over the age of six months when the director of animal control determines that the following conditions have been met:

1. The animal is examined annually by a licensed veterinarian and is following the preventative health care program recommended by the veterinarian;

2. The owner has not had more than two violations of Title 6 of this code within the preceding twenty-four months;

3. The animal is properly housed and cared for as follows:

a. The animal is provided sufficient quantity of good and wholesome food and water;

b. The animal is provided shelter that will allow the animal to stand up, turn around, and lie down without lying in his/her feces;

c. The area where the animal is kept is properly cleaned and disinfected;

d. The animal must be fully contained on the owner’s property and be provided appropriate exercise; and

e. The animal owner otherwise complies with any applicable state or local law concerning the care and housing of animals;

4. The owner of an unaltered female dog furnishes the director of animal control with a signed statement agreeing to the following conditions:

a. The female unaltered animal will have no more than one litter per year, unless the owner also obtains and maintains a permit for breeding the animal pursuant to Chapter 6.09 of this code;

b. Offspring of the unaltered animal will not be sold for money absent a permit for breeding, and no puppies may be transferred or adopted until they are at least eight weeks of age; and

c. Records will be kept documenting how many offspring were produced, when, and who adopted or purchased them. 

6.09.010 Breeder permit required.

A. No person shall cause or allow any dog owned, harbored, or kept within the jurisdiction of the city to breed with the intent to sell or transfer the offspring for money without first obtaining a breeder permit, in addition to an unaltered certification pursuant to Chapter 6.07 of this code. A breeder permit is written authorization, issued by city’s director of animal control or authorized designee, giving permission to breed a dog. The breeder permit shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance and may be renewed annually prior to the expiration date. Each applicant for a breeder permit shall pay an annual fee as prescribed by the city council and set forth in the fee schedule. Under no circumstances shall a breeder permit be issued to a person who has been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect.