Be a responsible pet owner

There are many reports of dogs "running at large" in different parts of the City of California. Recent complaints have been about dogs running by themselves, with other dogs and sometimes with a person presumed to be the owner, but without a leash.

Be a responsible pet owner and make sure your dog is licensed and is on a leash when not on the owner's property.

According to Police Chief Ward, calls about dogs "running at large' are common, occur in all parts of the city, and involve few repeat offenders.

California City Ordinance 205.010 requires all dogs to be prevented from running at large, and that is defined as any dog not on the owner's property without being on a leash "securely held by the owner or a member of his/her immediate family". The ordinance also states that a dog with an ID tag with owner's name and address and a current license issued by the city may be on the owner's property without being confined or on a leash.

All dogs in the City of California over the age of six months are required to be licensed, even if on the owner's property. A current rabies vaccination is necessary to obtain the license.

According to Chief Ward, the city police answer calls of dogs running at large. Officers attempt to locate the owners of any dogs picked up and advise the owner of the ordinance. "Most of the time, we talk to the owners who take the necessary precautions and the police don't hear about those dogs again," Ward said.

If the owner is not located, the dog is taken to the California Veterinary Clinic which acts as the local animal shelter. To pick up the animal, the owner then must pay a fee. If the dog is a persistent offender, the owner can be ticketed and fined. No pit bulls are allowed in the city.