Dog Leash Laws

Alabama law requires dogs over three months to be vaccinated against rabies and prohibits dogs from running at large in certain circumstances, while leash specifics remain local.

Arizona requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than six feet whenever off the owner's property, and enforces statewide rabies licensing for dogs over three months old.

Colorado state law sets dangerous dog penalties and leash requirements on state lands. Local leash ordinances are otherwise determined by municipalities and counties throughout…

Connecticut state law prohibits dogs from roaming at large on highways or other public places and imposes strict statewide liability on owners for damages caused by their dogs…

Delaware Code Title 16 Section 3048F prohibits dogs from running at large statewide and requires owners to physically restrain dogs with a leash whenever they are off the owner's…

Georgia has no statewide leash law but the Responsible Dog Owner Law sets statewide standards for dangerous and vicious dogs, preempting some local classification rules.

Hawaii has no comprehensive statewide leash law; dog leash and at-large rules are set by county ordinance. State law (HRS 143-8) authorizes officers to seize unlicensed dogs found…

Idaho Code Section 25-2810 sets uniform statewide standards for declaring dogs dangerous or at-risk and imposes restraint, identification, and signage requirements that apply on top of…

Illinois law requires owners to keep dogs under restraint or control off their property and imposes strict liability for bites by unrestrained animals statewide.

Maine state law prohibits owners from allowing dogs to run at large (except when used for hunting); municipalities may adopt stricter leash rules but cannot weaken the state baseline.

State law requires dogs be effectively controlled or restrained, with municipalities authorized to enact local leash ordinances. Owners are strictly liable for dog-caused injuries.

Michigan's Dog Law of 1919 requires dogs to be licensed and under control. State law mandates leashing or close confinement when off the owner's premises, and municipalities may add…

North Carolina sets statewide dangerous dog standards under N.C.G.S. Chapter 67, but specific leash requirements are delegated to counties and municipalities, which retain regulatory…

Ohio law universally requires dog owners to keep dogs confined or under reasonable control at all times, with municipalities free to add stricter local leash ordinances.

Pennsylvania's Dog Law requires all dogs to be confined, leashed, or under reasonable control by their owner whenever off the owner's property.

Rhode Island state law requires dogs to be under control or restrained when off the owner's premises. Title 4 establishes statewide rules for dog confinement, and owners are liable…

Tennessee state law sets baseline dog-at-large and dangerous dog standards, but enforcement and leash specifics are largely delegated to counties and municipalities under T.C.A. Title…

Virginia authorizes localities to prohibit dogs running at large, while imposing statewide rules on dangerous dogs that must be leashed and muzzled outside.

West Virginia requires dogs over six months old to be registered and vaccinated against rabies, and makes owners liable for damage caused by a dog running at large under W. Va. Code…