Dog Leash Laws Explained
The Background: What are Dog Leash Laws
Dog leash laws are sets of regulations that require pet owners to control and restrain their dogs when they are in public spaces or in certain environments. Most commonly, dog leash laws mandate that owners keep their dogs on a leash when entering certain properties or if the dog is otherwise on public property without explicit permission to run free. Why do these laws exist? They set minimal standards of behavioral expectations and requirements for dog owners and, in essence, designate the conditions under which a dog may be restricted or restrained. When these laws are broken, dog owners can be cited and charged with fines and fees for violations of these laws.
Where do these laws exist? They can be implemented at the local, statewide, or nationwide level. City governments may pass ordinances that require dog owners to keep their pets on leash whenever they step outside; names of these local laws include the "leash law" or "pooper scooper law" . State governments may do the same thing, but they may also implement leash laws on a more widespread level. Neither form of government may preempt the other, but when state laws do exist for dog leashes, they usually appear as solutions to problems that dog owners were addressing with their own ordinances.
Why do we need dog leash laws? Not only do these regulations address dog owners’ proactivity in keeping their pets restricted, and not only do they provide otherwise-uninformed individuals the opportunity to know where they must similarly restrict their dogs, these laws also protect the general public from unwanted interactions with dogs. When leash laws do not exist or are not heeded, people and pets are put in danger when unexpectedly encountering a dog on the loose. When dog owners are the party that’s putting themselves and others in danger by breaking leash laws, or is not restraining their pets when brought into a leash-required environment like a store or other commercial space, those pet owners become responsible for the subsequent injuries that occur.
Differences Among States and Localities
In addition to the statewide laws that govern dog leash requirements, municipalities often have their own laws and ordinances that dictate leash length and type. Some cities have designated leash areas where pets can run off-lead.
Florida, for example, has a leash law for both the state and in Miami-Dade County. Under Florida law, Section 767.11, any dog "while on the street or other public place" must be "securely held on a leash of not more than six feet in length," or else "must be placed within a motor vehicle." After a 2012 ordinance, Miami-Dade County’s Parks and Open Spaces Code, Little Havana in Florida has two leashed dog areas and a dog park at José Marti Park.
North Dakota has statewide leash law, as well. Under North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 18-01-02, pet owners must keep their dogs "in restraint." A restraint is defined as a "leash, cord, or chain of reasonable length and strength." Several counties in North Dakota, including Burleigh County and Morton County, have ordinances that permit the use of a six-foot leash.
In New York City, dog leash laws vary by borough. In Bronx borough, the law provides that "[a]ny person walking a dog, cat or domestic animal shall keep such animal securely leashed or confined within a building or automobile." In Kings County, the leash must be no longer than six feet. Queens and Richmond have similar laws. However, in New York County, the ordinance allows for an exception if the dog is "contained within the confines of [the] property owner’s property." New York City also has dog parks in Central Park with off-leash exercise areas.
Penalties for Leash Law Offenses
Despite the fact that most individuals understand the risks associated with unrestrained dogs, leashes are rarely enforced on a consistent basis. As such, multiple municipalities across the United States have enacted dog leash laws designed to encourage responsible pet ownership and lower the rate of dog attacks, injuries, and fatalities. Currently, dog leash laws vary from state to state and are also subject to local and county ordinances. As such, it is incumbent upon individual pet owners to research and understand leash laws in their respective locations. Pet owners may be surprised to learn that certain states classify "running at large" as a crime. In the vast majority of running at large jurisdictions, violators face misdemeanor charges resulting in fines, court costs, and restitution fees. Penalties are largely divided into three categories: first, second, and third offense violations. Running at large convictions generally increase with the number of citations received; e.g., the first violation results in a fine, while the third violation may result in jail time. Additionally, if a pet is found to have injured or killed another person, animal, or property, pet owners can be held liable for any damages. Financially speaking, there is no cap on financial liabilities resulting in violation of a dog leash law. Depending on the state, pet owners may also face criminal charges resulting in jail time or a felony conviction. Pet owners with multiple violations may also be required to participate in community service, a pet care and control course, and/or regular leash training at their expense.
Advice for Leash Compliance
Compliance with dog leash laws is essential for the safety of your pet and others. Here are some practical tips to help you comply with local leash laws.
Consider the Type of Leash to Use. There are many options available to dog owners that can make walking your pet safer and more convenient. A traditional 6-foot long standard leash is a good option for dog owners out on a walk. Retractable leashes are also very popular nowadays. A retractable leash can extend up to 50 feet, however, these leashes can be dangerous to other pets and children who can become caught in the leash’s cord, which can harm them with cuts or burns. Retractable leashes require a little more caution because they give your dog more freedom to roam, and at the same time, retracting if needed in tight spaces. Retractable leash devices also come with a locking button, which will allow you to retract your dog back close to you when needed. In the end, the dog controls how far he walks, so supervision is always needed when using a retractable leash. A belt leash is a great option for those who have a smaller dog, such as Yorkie. This type of leash encircles your waist while allowing you to use both hands to control your dog at a moment’s notice. Belt leashes come with a handle leash clip that can hold your dog in place as you walk. As long as your dog is secure , the belt leash is not a problem when walking him. Chain leashes are another option for experienced dog owners. Chain leashes are strong enough to handle even the most aggressive dogs, which can be difficult to walk. Be aware though – chain leashes are not for new pet owners as they can do damage to property and injure you easily if not used correctly.
Choose the Right Leash for the Environment. Most public places have leash laws that require dog owners to keep their pets leashed. But there may be some locations in your area that do not require leashes, or have different leash requirements. Check with your local municipalities or county to find out more about the leash laws in your area. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated certain parks and waterways as off-leash areas, where people can take their dogs to play and socialize. When entering these areas, watch for signage and understand the leash restrictions in place before you take your dog there. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to take care of your dog and ensure that he acts appropriately when out with you. When circumstances arise where your dog may be unruly, as could happen at the dog park or at an dog-friendly event, it is important to keep your animal leashed. Being a responsible dog owner means taking steps to ensure that your pet is always taken care of and kept under your control. By following some of these simple tips, you can quickly see how easy it is to follow the leash laws in your area.
Leash Laws Safety Benefits for Communities
When dog leash laws are enforced, the benefits can trickle down to the entire community. Keeping dogs leashed presents an opportunity for increased public safety and reduced incidents of dog bites or dog attacks. Whether the dog is a curious mutt or a well-trained bulldog, there will be situations in which a leashed dog may approach people or other animals without warning. When an unleashed dog approaches, there is not always time for the owner or handler to intervene. By following leash laws, dog owners reduce the opportunity for off-leash encounters that can lead to bite injuries and other issues.
In addition to creating safer environments for people and pets, leash laws can create safer environments for dogs themselves. Off-leash dogs may encounter situations in which they do not have a way to escape potential dangers. A dog that is off-leash may wander into the street and be hit by oncoming traffic or may chase down and provoke a larger animal. When laws are in place for dog owners to follow, dogs are less likely to encounter these types of dangerous situations. With the right leash laws and community awareness, owners can help create safer environments for their dogs, as well as for people and animals they may encounter while out on walks.
Training Tips for Leash Practice
To get a dog comfortable with a leash, you should start with short leash sessions in the home or your backyard. Take the dog through the command "come here," and when it approaches, gently moving the leash to come in line with your pet’s nose. When this works, slowly begin to walk around and have the dog walk to your side. This can be on a leash indoors or in a fenced yard, or you can walk around and have the dog follow you.
Short sessions of four to five minutes will help the dog get used to the leash and following commands . Maintain this process several times a day for at least a week to get your dog accustomed to obedience commands.
Once you’ve trained the dog to walk at your side in the house or yard, you can begin walking it with a leash attached outside your home.
Keep in mind that a dog which has been on a lead before may not recognize the leash policy of your town or neighborhood immediately, and it may take time to get him or her used to walking beside you. Do not expect your pet to walk perfectly right away, but with time you will have an excellent walking companion.