Dog Waste Laws & Fines in Long Beach

Parks and Public Spaces California 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of California

Long Beach, California requires dog owners to remove and properly dispose of dog waste in public parks and spaces to protect public health and maintain park cleanliness. This guide explains who enforces the rules, what typical penalties and procedures are, how to report violations, and practical steps owners and park managers should follow to comply with city requirements.

Always carry bags or know the location of park waste stations.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Long Beach assigns responsibility for animal-related ordinance enforcement to its Animal Care Services and may coordinate with Long Beach Police for violations occurring in public spaces. [1] The Long Beach Municipal Code contains animal regulations that control owner duties and public health standards. [2]

  • Enforcer: Long Beach Animal Care Services is the primary enforcing department; police may assist for public-safety incidents.[1]
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the municipal code authorizes orders, abatement, or other actions as provided by ordinance; specific measures are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Inspection and complaints: report violations to Animal Care Services via the city reporting page or phone; see contact details in Resources.[3]
If exact fine amounts are needed, contact Animal Care Services for a current enforcement schedule.

Appeals, Review, and Defences

  • Appeals/review routes: the municipal code provides administrative appeal or hearing pathways for citations where specified; time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: usual defences may include lack of control or inability to prevent waste deposition, but specific statutory defences or permits are not specified on the cited page.

Common Violations

  • Failing to pick up dog waste in a park.
  • Allowing a dog to defecate on school grounds or playgrounds without cleanup.
  • Not disposing of waste in a proper trash or designated receptacle.

Applications & Forms

No specific permit or form for routine dog-waste cleanup is published on the cited pages; in most cases no application is required. For reporting violations or requesting enforcement, use the city complaint/report form or contact Animal Care Services directly. [3]

How to Comply and Report

Practical actions for owners, park staff, and witnesses help reduce violations and improve public health.

  • Owners: always carry bags and dispose of waste in a trash can or park receptacle.
  • Parks staff: keep supply of waste bags and empty receptacles regularly.
  • Witnesses: document the incident (time, location, photos if safe) and report to Animal Care Services via the official reporting page. [3]
Reporting with date, time, and location speeds enforcement response.

FAQ

Do I have to pick up my dog’s waste in Long Beach parks?
Yes. Owners are required to remove and properly dispose of dog waste in public parks; the municipal code and city services set duties for owners and enforcement. [2]
What happens if I don’t pick up after my dog?
Violations may lead to citation or other enforcement actions; specific fine amounts or escalation are not specified on the cited pages. [2]
Who enforces dog waste rules?
Long Beach Animal Care Services enforces animal-related ordinances and coordinates with police when needed. [1]

How-To

  1. Note the exact location, date, and time of the incident and, if safe, take a photo as evidence.
  2. Attempt a polite, non-confrontational reminder to the owner if appropriate.
  3. Visit the City of Long Beach Animal Care Services reporting page and complete the complaint form or call the department to report the incident. [3]
  4. If you receive a citation and wish to contest it, follow the administrative appeal instructions provided with the citation or contact Animal Care Services for guidance. [1]
Carry a small pack of bags to avoid last-minute issues.

Key Takeaways

  • Owners must remove dog waste in public spaces to protect health and comply with city rules.
  • Report violations to Animal Care Services using the official channels for fastest response. [3]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Long Beach Animal Care Services
  2. [2] Long Beach Municipal Code - Title 6 Animals
  3. [3] City of Long Beach - Report animal abuse or neglect

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