Laguna Beach City Moves Toward Updating Animal Code

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Laguna Beach City councilmembers took the preliminary steps toward updating the city's municipal code regarding dogs barking, tying animals to moving vehicles or bikes and determining a vicious, dangerous nuisance animal last Tuesday, July 25.

The move to modify portions of the Title 6 municipal code comes after the city staff recognized that the writing in the code appeared "vague" and subjective, according to a city staff report.

The new ordinance would adopt the same enforcement standard as Orange County Animal Control, as 13 other cities in Orange County have done, which defines a dog barking violation as "30 minutes of incessant or continuous barking within a 24-hour period," or "60 minutes of intermittent barking within a 24-hour period."

Amended language would also include tying animals to bicycles, e-bike and vehicles, which is illegal in Laguna Beach. Exceptions to the rule include non-motorized transport like skateboards and roller skates.

Lastly, the proposed ordinance would define what a vicious, dangerous and nuisance animal is in clearer language. It would also state the city's process to declare an animal as a vicious, dangerous or nuisance animal, and what the owner's appeal procedure would be if they disagree with the city's findings.

The Laguna Beach City Council will meet next Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 5 p.m. at City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue.