Sacramento County Municipal Code Ch. 8.22 Keeping of Roosters

In enacting this Rooster Ordinance, the Board of Supervisors seeks to balance the needs of legitimate agricultural and educational programs with Sacramento County's responsibility to prevent environmentally harmful, inhumane, or illegal rooster-keeping practices. Its core purpose is to stop cockfighting and the breeding of birds for that purpose in order to protect public health, community safety, and animal welfare.

(SCC 1779, 6/16/2026)

"Enclosure"

means a structure used for confinement, including, but not limited to, a wire cage or item traditionally used for another purpose such as a water tank or plastic barrel that meets both of the following criteria:

Is used to provide long-term housing for one adult rooster.

Prevents interaction with other roosters.

"Restricts normal movement"

means any enclosure that limits a rooster's ability to walk, flap its wings, or turn around freely.

"Rooster"

means any male chicken which:

Is six months or older; or

Has full adult plumage; or

Is capable of crowing.

"Tethering"

means the use of any wire, string, rope, chain or similar device to restrict or restrain the movements of a rooster.

(SCC 1779, 6/16/2026)

At all times, roosters shall be provided:

A. Clean, potable water, unless water is restricted under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. Watering receptacles shall be kept clean and sanitized.

B. Food that is fresh, uncontaminated, and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value for the rooster's age, condition, and size. Food receptacles shall be accessible to each rooster, durable, and sanitized. Disposable receptacles may be used but must be discarded after each feeding.

C. Clean and sanitary premises that are kept in good repair, free of accumulated waste, free of standing water, free of excessive odor, and maintained to prevent vermin.

(SCC 1779, 6/16/2026)

No person shall tether, or cause to be tethered, any rooster to a stake or any other object for any period of time. Each rooster found tethered in violation of this section constitutes a separate violation.

(SCC 1779, 6/16/2026)

A person shall not keep a rooster in an enclosure that restricts normal movement unless all of the following conditions are met:

1. The enclosure shall provide sufficient room for the rooster to spread both wings fully and to turn in a complete circle without any impediment and without touching the side of the enclosure.

2. The enclosure shall be of sufficient height to allow normal standing posture.

3. The enclosure shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the rooster from injury, to contain the rooster, and to keep other animals out.

4. The enclosure shall be constructed and maintained so as to enable roosters to remain dry and clean and to allow access to food and water.

5. The enclosure shall provide adequate ventilation and protection from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.

6. Floors shall be constructed and maintained so as to protect roosters' feet and legs from injury.

7. Excreta shall be removed from enclosures as often as necessary, and no less than once daily. When hosing or flushing is used for cleaning, any rooster housed in the enclosure shall be protected during the cleaning process, and measures shall be taken to prevent roosters in other enclosures from being contaminated by wastewater or debris.

(SCC 1779, 6/16/2026)

Pursuant to California Penal Code Sections 597 subdivision (c) and (d), mutilation of roosters is banned and punishable as a felony or misdemeanor by imprisonment, fine, or by both.

(SCC 1779, 6/16/2026)

1. A person who violates this Chapter shall be liable for civil penalties, pursuant to Section 8.08.100.

2. Notwithstanding subdivision (1), the District Attorney may charge any person who violates this chapter with a misdemeanor. In addition, the County Counsel may seek any legal or equitable relief as permitted under law.

3. In addition to any other remedy allowed by law, any person who violates this chapter may be subject to criminal sanctions, civil actions, and a nuisance enforcement action pursuant to Title 16, Chapter 16.18 of this Code and as indicated in this section.

4. The remedies and penalties provided herein are cumulative, alternative and nonexclusive. The use of one does not prevent the use of any others, and none of these penalties and remedies prevent the County from using any other remedy at law or in equity which may be available to enforce this chapter.

(SCC 1779, 6/16/2026)