Leash Laws

Many people assume that their state has a mandatory leash law, while in truth only a few states have any leash requirements.   While  leash laws at the state level are few and far between, many states have state impound laws for loose dogs (see Detailed Discussion of Dog Impound Laws ).  Indeed, a state may not require that owners put leashes on their dogs, but dogs found roaming loose may be subject to impoudment or even be killed on sight.  

Only two states, Michigan and Pennsylvania, have laws that address some form of control or restraint for all dogs.  Other states indirectly mandate restraint for dogs by outlawing loose dogs (often called "dogs at large").  State may give municipalities the right to adopt referendums or ordinances that require leashes. Other state laws require that dogs be leashed in specific locations, such as beaches, parks, schools, and protected natural areas. Some states may require that dogs only be restrained during certain times, such as between sunset and sunrise, or when a female dog is in heat. Finally, many states have adopted comprehensive codes for the regulation of dogs that are deemed "dangerous" or "vicious."   

To read more about these specific leash laws or to look at a table that describes these leash laws, see the Table of State Leash Laws (2012).

Original Article: https://www.animallaw.info/intro/dog-leash-laws#:~:text=Only%20two%20states%2C%20Michigan%20and,or%20ordinances%20that%20require%20leashes.

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