Note: This is the seventh article in a series on code enforcement in Calcasieu Parish. This article highlights animal control regulations.
Animal control regulations are essential for public safety and the well-being of both domestic and wild animals in Calcasieu Parish. Animal control is one of those things that falls under code enforcement, but that may occasionally also involve law enforcement, depending on the circumstances.
These guidelines, outlined in Chapter 5 of the Calcasieu Parish Code of Ordinances, ensure a safe environment for all residents – whether you have your own animals or not! Here’s a closer look at key regulations and what they mean for the community.
Types of Animals
You may think of domestic pets, like dogs and cats, when considering animal control regulations in Calcasieu Parish. But the ordinances cover them all – including livestock and exotic animals. Domestic animals may include certain types of dogs, cats, birds or others – any animal whose species has adapted to life in close contact with a human caretaker. Some animals not specifically defined here may qualify as pets, like ferrets, hamsters, some reptiles, rabbits or others. In those cases, the animal is treated as domestic and subject to similar rules of care and control by its owner. Those outside this definition that may qualify as dangerous (such as poisonous snakes), usually fall under the exotic/wildlife category.
Dogs are defined as canines not including wildlife. So a wolf might technically be a type of dog, but it isn’t treated as domestic in Calcasieu Parish.
Cats are defined as a feline or in the family thereof, including feral cats. Of course, something like a tiger is a feline, but it falls in the “exotic” category.
Birds are members of a class of warm-blooded vertebrates with a body more or less completely covered in feathers. The code specifically separates fowl, poultry or ratites (large birds that can’t fly, like an ostrich) from this definition.
Exotic animals or wildlife may include any species of animal whose natural habitat is outside the United States (think zebras, elephants, panda bears, etc.) or non-domesticated animals indigenous to the U.S. (like bears, bobcats, etc.), regardless of whether they’ve been legally marketed and sold. Wildlife may also include animal hybrids as classified in the Compendium of Animal Rabies Control and the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians.
In Calcasieu Parish, it is illegal for an individual to keep an exotic or wild animal. Click here for specific definitions of those animals.
Exceptions are made for helpless animals who require the care of a human to survive. In these cases, appropriately licensed and permitted individuals or organizations may care for the animal.
This ordinance does not apply to traveling carnivals, shows or exhibitions that present these animals for display or whose acts are permitted under the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Animal Welfare Act.
Livestock includes any animal of the species of horses, mules, asses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, ratites, and poultry generally bred for profit. Click here to access the codes for livestock, including information on prohibited zones. Click here for general information like carcass disposal and other relevant codes.
Containment
Leashes
In unincorporated Calcasieu Parish, dogs must be on a leash in public areas, which can generally be defined as anywhere that isn’t privately owned by the pet owner (or another consenting individual) or designated as an enclosed, off-leash dog park. Dogs considered dangerous must also be muzzled when on a leash. Additionally, pets are never allowed to roam freely on multi-family properties.
Enclosures
The type of enclosure required generally depends on the type of animal and its classification.
Livestock may not roam freely in prohibited zones.
Generally, acceptable confinement for most animals includes a securely enclosed area with adequate shelter on an owner’s property.
Dogs must have at least 100 square feet of exercise space within their enclosure.
Enclosures on properties without fenced yards must be constructed of materials that provide ventilation (such as chain link) and must be high enough to prevent the animal’s escape.
Dangerous animals (as defined later in this article) require more significant enclosures that prevent the animal coming into contact with anyone except its owner. These pens must be constructed of nine-gauge or stronger material, with either a concrete slab or sides buried a minimum of one foot underground.
Adequate Care and Responsible Ownership
If residents decide to keep pets, they must also commit to caring for them appropriately. At a minimum, this requires:
Food: Provide wholesome food every 24 hours, suitable for the animal's species and age, to maintain nutrition.
Shelter: Provide a structurally sound enclosure that protects the animal from extreme temperatures and weather. This may include your house, if your pet lives inside!
Water: Ensure consistent access to clean, fresh water in a sanitary manner, suitable for the species, at least every 24 hours.
Sanitary Conditions: Maintain cleanliness to prevent parasite infestations, insect breeding and offensive odors.
Basic Medical Care: Provide general health treatments considered essential for the animal, following standards set by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Failing to ensure these basics can constitute abandonment, defined as leaving an animal without arrangements for its care or without adequate food, shelter or water. Refer to Section 5-36 of the parish code ordinances for all definitions and further details.
Selling animals
It is illegal to sell, give away, or transfer dogs or cats in public spaces like roadsides, parks, parking lots, or similar areas accessible to the public. Exceptions to this ordinance may apply to legitimate humane societies, animal welfare groups or nonprofit animal adoption events. Violations listed in section 5-38 result in a civil penalty of $300 for the first offense and $500 for subsequent offense.
Rabies Vaccinations
To protect public health, all dogs, cats and ferrets in the parish must be vaccinated against rabies. This crucial measure helps prevent the spread of this serious disease, which can be deadly for both animals and humans.
Vaccines must be given by a veterinarian with the necessary parish licenses.
The parish sometimes offers public clinics to assist with providing vaccinations at little or no cost to pet owners. Follow Calcasieu Parish Animal Services on Facebook to make sure you’re aware of the next public clinic!
Owners must get a rabies license/tag for their vaccinated animal(s).
Unvaccinated animals may be impounded by Calcasieu Parish Animal Services.
Cruelty
Calcasieu Parish takes a strong stance against animal cruelty. It is illegal to treat animals inhumanely, including:
Beating, torturing, or abandoning animals
Failing to provide adequate food, water, or shelter, as defined in Section 5-36 of the parish code of ordinances
Poisoning animals or forcing them into fights, such as dog or cockfighting
If you suspect or witness animal cruelty, contact Calcasieu Parish Animal Services at animalservices@calcasieu.gov.
Troublesome or Dangerous Animals
Unfortunately, sometimes animals cause problems. In certain cases, the parish has protocols for handling animals that cause disturbances or could threaten the community from a health perspective or otherwise.
Nuisance Animals
Animals may be defined as a nuisance if they:
Molest passersby, moving vehicles or other animals while at large
Damage private or public property
Bark, whine or howl in an excessive, continuous or untimely manner
Cause unsanitary conditions or odors about the premises of the owner or others through urination or defecation
To trigger an investigation of a potential nuisance animal, the parish requires:
Sworn statements from two witnesses (who must be residents of the neighborhood in question, but may not reside in the same household as the animal)
A sworn statement from one witness along with a declaration obtained from an investigating officer, if applicable
Owners of an animal deemed a nuisance may be penalized as provided in sections 5-40, 5-41, 5-43 and 5-78 of the parish code of ordinances. Repeat offenses incur additional penalties.
Dangerous Animals
Dangerous animals can cause serious injuries and put the public at risk. The parish code of ordinances, specifically Section 5-44, defines dangerous animals as any animal that has overtly demonstrated a propensity to endanger the safety of humans or other animals by threatening, chasing or growling without provocation on or off the owner's premises. Remember the “other animals” part. An animal that has attacked another animal may still be considered dangerous.
Animal bites are described as any puncture, tear or abrasion of the skin inflicted by an animal.
Animal attacks are defined by aggressive, unprovoked behavior by an animal that would involve biting and/or shaking of its victim.
If you have concerns about a dangerous animal, contact animal services. An officer will assess the animal’s behavior and determine if special measures are necessary to keep the public safe.
Enforcement and Penalties
Violating animal control regulations may result in penalties, fines or even removal of an animal. The parish utilizes various enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with animal care regulations. Key enforcement actions include:
1. Impoundment
Animal control officers may impound animals under certain circumstances to protect both animals and the public. Reasons for impoundment may include:
Dangerous Animals: Animals deemed dangerous due to aggressive behavior, such as unprovoked attacks, may be impounded. Generally, impoundment occurs on a second (or subsequent, if applicable) offense.
Nuisance Animals: Animals that repeatedly create a public nuisance, such as excessive noise or damaging property, may be subject to impoundment after prior warnings.
Animals Running at Large: Dogs or cats found roaming without restraint (at large) on public roads or another’s private property may be impounded.
Untagged or Unvaccinated Animals: Animals found without proper identification tags or vaccination documentation may be impounded if their owners cannot be identified or located.
Impounded animals are housed at the Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center, where they are cared for until owners reclaim them or other options, such as adoption or humane relocation, are determined to be in the animal's best interest.
2. Fines and Penalties
Violators of animal care regulations are subject to civil penalties. Key fines are listed below. Please refer to the complete list here.
Civil Penalty | First Offense | Second Offense | Third Offense | Fourth Offense | Definitions |
Cruelty or neglect | $250 | $500 | Includes acts like beating, torturing, failing to provide adequate care, or abandoning animals. | ||
Disposition of carcasses | $100 | $250 | $500 | Livestock carcasses must be disposed of in a sanitary manner by deep burial to prevent disease spread. | |
Nuisance Animal | $100 | $200 | $500 | Animals causing a nuisance as defined by local ordinances | |
Dangerous Animals - Confinement | $500 | Dangerous animals must be confined securely to prevent contact with humans or other animals. | |||
Dogs running at large | $40 | $60 | $100 | $500 | Dogs found unrestrained in public places or trespassing on others' property |
Mandatory Vaccination | $50 | Animals must be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases, per local health regulations. | |||
Impoundment | $30 | $50 | $70 | Animals may be impounded if kept without food, water, or care; infected with disease; or under conditions endangering public health. |
Questions?
For further details on animal control or to clarify questions, contact Calcasieu Parish Animal Services or review the Calcasieu Parish Code of Ordinances. Have specific questions or topics you’d like to see covered? Let me know!
