Bellevue, NE Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 6-0 defines RESTRAINT as any animal secured by a leash or lead or kept within the real property limits of its owner. Section 6-17(A) applies that definition directly: an owner of a dog or cat must keep the animal under restraint at all times, with no daytime or off-leash exception written into the section. Section 6-17(B) layers on a general duty of proper care and control so the animal does not become a public nuisance. Section 6-17(C) is more specific for breeding animals: an owner of a female dog or cat in heat must confine her in a building or secure enclosure in a way that keeps her from contact with another animal except for planned breeding.

Section 6-17(D) gives officers unusual authority: a police officer, code enforcement officer, humane officer or contracted animal control officer may kill an animal that poses an immediate threat of significant bodily harm if it is found on ground the owner does not own, occupy, lease or control, even if the animal is licensed and vaccinated. Section 6-17(E) protects anyone who uses necessary force against a vicious animal in immediate danger from liability for inhumane treatment. Section 6-9(E) separately authorizes immediate confiscation of an animal violating the § 6-17(D) immediate-danger provision.