SB Police will enforce animalrelated laws

ANIMAL CONTROL

Earlier this month, the Seal Beach Police Department implemented a new, in-house animal control program. For several years, the City of Long Beach provided animal control services to Seal Beach.

Part of implementing this new program was reviewing several animal-related laws and regulations. Here are a few of them: 7.05.055 At-Large Requirements for Cats and Dogs.

A. No owner of a dog shall permit the animal to be at large unless it is leashed, confined in a motor vehicle or on another person’s property with permission.

B. No owner of a cat shall permit the animal to enter upon another person’s property or residential unit without permission.

C. The animal control officer may impound any cat or dog found in violation of this section.

7.05.070 Transportation of Animals. No person shall transport an animal by motor vehicle unless the animal is confined to prevent falling or jumping off the vehicle.

7.05.090 Blocking Public Places. No owner of a dog shall tie the dog to a tree, bike rack or similar object in front of any public place.

7.05.100 Feeding Wild Birds. No person shall feed any wild bird. This prohibition shall not apply to the feeding of wild birds that are confined in an enclosure on private property.

While a component of any effective animal control program is enforcement, the Seal Beach Police Department is prioritizing its efforts on outreach and education.

“Adherence to animal regulations is important to maintain the quality of life in Seal Beach. We believe that through education, warnings, and outreach, we will be able to accomplish our goals,” said Operations Bureau Manager Nick Nicholas. “However, as we do now with other regulations, if enforcement is critical and necessary, we will act and issue citations.”

Those who want to report any animal-related issues should call the police non-emergency line at 562-594-7232. Police will dispatch an animal control officer to the scene. For life-or-death emergencies, dial 911.

For more information about the program, email animalcontrol@ sealbeachca. gov. To ask general questions about the Seal Beach Police Department and its work, email askacop@sealbeachca.gov.