SOP-1 Wild Animal RescuePolice Services Division
SOP-1
April 6, 2000
SUBJECT: Wild Animal Rescue
PURPOSE: To establish procedure when a citizen has trapped a wild animal (raccoon,
opossum, or skunk), and guidelines for relocation of the animal.
I. FISH AND GAME CODES:
A. 4180:
Fur-bearing mammals which are injuring property may be taken at any time and in
any manner in accordance with this code, except that if leg hold steel-jawed traps
are used to take those mammals, the traps and the use thereof shall be in
accordance with subdivisions (a), (b), and (d) of Section 4004. Traps used
pursuant to this section shall be inspected and all animals in the trap shall be
removed at least once daily. The inspection and removal shall be done by the
person who sets the trap or the owner of the land where the trap is set or an agent
of either.
B. 4152:
Non game mammals and black-tailed jackrabbits, muskrats, and red fox squirrels
which are found to be injuring growing crops or other property may be taken at
any time or in any manner in accordance with this code by the owner or tenant of
the premises or employees thereof, except that if leg hold steel-jawed traps are
used to take those mammals, the traps and the use thereof shall be in accordance
with subdivisions (a), (b), and (d) of Section 4004. They may also be taken by
officers or employees of the Department of Food and Agriculture or by federal,
county, or city officers or employees when acting in their official capacities
pursuant to the provisions of the Food and Agricultural Code pertaining to pests,
or pursuant to the provisions of Article 6 (commencing with Section 6021) of
Chapter 9 of Part 1 of Division 4 of the Food and Agricultural Code. Persons
taking mammals in accordance with this section are exempt from the requirements
of Section 3007. Traps used pursuant to this section shall be inspected and all
animals in the trap shall be removed at least once daily. The inspection and
removal shall be done by the person who sets the trap or the owner of the land
where the trap is set or an agent of either.
II. PROCEDURE:
A. When a citizen calls to inform us they have trapped said animal, the following
procedure should be followed:
1. Explain the law to the caller.
a. A citizen who does not have a trapping license is prohibited from
trapping said wild animals unless the following criteria is met:
i. If the animal is visibly sick or causing physical damage to
property.
ii. If an opossum is destroying insulation in a house.
b. If the animal is causing damage it is to be destroyed as a nuisance
regardless of its state of health.
c. If an animal has been unlawfully trapped, it may be released at the
same location, if the animal is not a danger to people.
d. It is unlawful to relocate said animal.
i. The State of California interprets relocation as any
movement whatsoever from the place of capture.
2. We cannot relocate any animals. If we are called to pick up the animal, it
will be destroyed.
B. Dead Animals
1. Dead animals (wild and domestic) located in the roadway will be referred
to Public Works for disposal.
a. Public Works hours of operation are Monday through Friday from
0800-1700.
b. Public Works will not respond to residences to retrieve animals.
2. If a dead animal call is received outside of Public Works hours of
operation and the animal is either a road, safety, or public health hazard,
Public Safety shall respond as in the past.