City of Cotati Municipal Dog Codes

It is important to know the dog municipal codes in our city, Cotati. I knew we most likely had them concerning our dogs, but it took a while for me to find the exact codes which our city has adopted. Please visit to see a listing of our many dog and animal regulations at  http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=16297

Cotati's municipal code 7.24.80 specifically deals with dogs who are not on leashes and describes the rules which are to be obeyed in our local area. You can read it word for word at the website above, but let me paraphrase. It is unlawful for any person who has a dog to be off-leash in or about any public property within the city limit except that public property posted with signs allowing your dog to be off-leash. Each dog found in violation of this can be immediately taken and impounded. Any police officer or animal control officer has the right to take such action for the protection of our public health and safety.

I have not seen any police officer or animal control person enforce this regulation. Have you? I have encountered it many times where dogs are off their leash, but no one was in sight to enforce the code we have. Is this a concern for you? Have you also witnessed or been a victim of a dog off leash and either attacking you or your dog?

My favorite city municipal code is the following: 7.24.60 which deals with animal waste. As you will see, there are many more animal and dog municipal codes, but the two I mention here are the ones which I feel should definitely be enforced. Again paraphrasing what this code states is the following. No owner or person who has a control over any dog or animal, except those who are disabled and needing a dog, shall allow any animal to do the following:


1.Must not defecate on any street or other public property without immediately removing their dog's waste and putting it in a doggie bag or a receptacle.

2.Must not defecate on any private property other than that of its owner without the consent of the owner.

When enforced, an officer or animal control officer has the right to show proof of a tool or doggy bag showing that you are removing the waste. Unfortunately, since most of the time this is not enforced, neighbors and others in the area begin to get angry. This does not mean that they are anti-dog. It means that they begin to feel resentful of the person who does not clean up after their dog continually.

I look forward to what you have to say about this subject. Feel free to visit my website at http://cotatipooppatrol.webstarts.com/