Full Notification

Be a good neighbor. Your dog’s bark may just be worse than his bite. Neighborhood dogs known for escaping and excessive barking can result in disputes and violations of the municipal code.

Pet problems are people problems. Like children, it is our responsibility to provide proper care and training. It’s normal for dogs to bark from time to time, just as children make noise when they play. However, continual barking is a symptom of a larger problem that needs the attention of a responsible pet owner.

Be a responsible pet owner. If your dog’s barking (talkative nature) has created tension in your neighborhood, you may need to ask your neighbors, especially if the barking occurs when you’re not home. Strategies include:

• Social isolation: walk your dog at least twice daily-it is good exercise and good for your dog.
• Territorial behavior: teach your dog a quiet command and or desensitize your dog to the stimulus that triggers barking. Practice!
• Fears and phobias: block your dog’s access to outdoor views that may cause anxiety. Talk to your veterinarian if your pet has behavior issues.
• Separation anxiety: interact with your animal regularly without making a big deal about coming and going. Consider your emotional connections.

Procedures for filing complaints for violation of the Long Beach municipal code.

• Dog noise prohibited LBMC 6.16.110
• Dog leash required LBMC 6.16.100A.
• Defecation removal required LBMC 6.16.200

Complaint informs Animal Care Services of the alleged violation(s)

To initiate the complaint process for any violation of the municipal code, the complainant should contact the Long Beach Animal Care Services at 562-570-7387 and provide specific evidence if available (i.e. animal address, owner name, date, time, nature of activity, additional witnesses, photo) to customer support representative.

Animal Control Officer makes contact with the responsible person

An Animal Control Officer will attempt to locate the person responsible and in person or by proof of service by US mail, serve the warning of potential violation. If the enforcement officer determines that a person responsible has violated a section of the municipal code, the officer may issue a citation at that time (i.e. license requirement, proof of rabies inoculation, noise violation).

Person responsible afforded reasonable time for corrective action of non-safety violations

Upon recommendation of the Animal Control Officer, the person responsible of the nuisance animal will be given a reasonable amount of time to resolve the problem. The enforcement officer will record any statements in response to the alleged violation.

If alleged violation persists, complainant informs animal care services

If alleged violations continue, complainant must inform Animal Care Services by phone and complete the petition to declare a witnessed violation of the Long Beach municipal code. This provides the enforcement officer with the evidence-statements and signatures-under the penalty of perjury, to support the issuance of a citation. Person responsible is afforded the right to due process in the form of a citation appeal hearing.

If violation persists, complainant informs animal care services

If the violation persists, complainants must document and inform Animal Care Services. Each and every day a violation exists constitutes a separate and distinct offense and is subject to additional citation and penalties. Ongoing violations of the municipal code may result in criminal prosecution.

Helpful information:

City of Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau
7700 E. Spring St
Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: 562-570-7387 Fax: 562-570-3053
www.longbeach.gove/acs

Humane Society of the United States
www.hsus.org
202-452-1100