Albany, OR Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Albany Municipal Code § 6.04.020 sets the leash rule in the City of Albany, Oregon. The definition turns on two facts: the dog is off the premises of the owner or of the person having control, custody, or possession of it, and it is not under complete control by a leash or chain not exceeding 10 feet in length. Both facts together make the dog "at large." A longer leash does not satisfy the section, and the printed standard is a leash or chain, not voice command. The section adds that the leash or chain is not required when the dog is in a motor vehicle.

The code makes it unlawful for a dog to run at large or to be permitted to run at large, so the duty rests on the owner or keeper. When a dog is found running at large, or when it is a public nuisance under § 6.04.170, a police officer or dog control officer shall impound it or cite the owner or keeper into court, or do both. Section 6.04.050 separately directs City police officers and any special officer appointed by the Chief of Police to take up and impound any dog running at large or on any premises other than the property of its owner or keeper.

Off-leash space is handled by § 6.04.087. The Parks and Recreation Director of the City of Albany is authorized to designate or approve areas of public property where dogs are permitted off-leash, and dog activity consistent with the posted or approved rules in such an area is not a violation. Outside those areas, § 6.04.170(6) makes any dog found within a park outside designated areas a public nuisance. Under § 6.04.010(2), the county license tag must be attached securely to a collar or harness whenever the dog is outdoors and not contained within a fenced yard, enclosed pen, or by a chain on the owner's property.