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Benton County, OR Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section: Benton County Code § 9.205
Enforcing agency: Sheriff's Office Animal Control Program
Citation window: 3 months from violation date
Fine: up to $500, $1,000 continuing
Unlicensed impound redemption: 3 working days
Exemptions: hunting, herding, shows, obedience training

Summary

In unincorporated Benton County, dog owners are prohibited from letting a dog be at large: off the owner's property and out of a competent person's immediate control. County Code § 9.205 makes this a citable offense, enforced by the Sheriff's Office Animal Control Program, with exceptions for supervised hunting, herding, dog shows and obedience training. Violators face fines up to $500 per incident, doubling to $1,000 for a continuing violation, under § 9.820.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Benton County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(7)"At Large" means a dog off the premises of the owner and not under the immediate control of the owner or of a competent person; except "at large" does not include exhibition in dog shows, obedience training or the use of a dog under the supervision of a person to hunt, chase or tree predatory animals or game birds, or the use of a dog to control or protect livestock or use in other related agricultural activities. ... 9.205 - Dogs at Large. No owner shall permit his/her dog to be at large. ... Violation of BCC Chapter 9 shall be deemed a violation of County laws and is punishable upon conviction of a fine of $500 for each separate violation and a fine of $1,000 for a continuing violation; each day of continued violation is a separate offense and is separately punishable, but may be joined in a single prosecution.

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Full Breakdown

005(7)). The definition carves out working-dog activities: dog shows, obedience training, and a dog supervised while hunting, chasing or treeing predatory animals or game birds, or controlling and protecting livestock, do not count as at large. 010 makes clear this chapter supersedes conflicting provisions of ORS Chapters 167, 433 and 609 within the county, so the local at-large rule controls even where state statute differs. 105). 115). 305, and an owner is liable for all housing and maintenance costs while the animal is impounded. 320(1)); a licensed dog gets a mail notice and three days to redeem once the Program is unable to reach the owner by phone. 305(4).

Violations & Fines

A first at-large citation from the Animal Control Deputy carries a fine of up to $500 per violation under § 9.820; a continuing violation escalates to $1,000, with each day counted as a separate offense that can still be joined into one prosecution. Beyond fines, the court can impose additional compliance conditions, and the county may pursue impoundment or, after three or more convictions, hold the dog under § 9.305(4).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Benton County require dogs to be on a leash?

The code doesn't mandate a physical leash. Section 9.205 instead bans letting a dog be 'at large,' meaning off the owner's property and out of a competent person's immediate control. A leash or fenced yard satisfies the rule in practice, but the standard is control, not a specific device, and exemptions exist for supervised hunting and livestock work.

What happens if my dog is picked up for being at large?

The Animal Control Deputy can impound the dog under § 9.305, and you're liable for all housing and maintenance costs. An unlicensed dog not redeemed within three working days may be sold or destroyed; a licensed dog gets a mailed notice and three additional days to redeem before the county can act.

Are working dogs exempt from the at-large rule?

Yes. Section 9.005(7) excludes dogs supervised while hunting, chasing or treeing predatory animals or game birds, and dogs used to control or protect livestock, along with dogs in shows or obedience training. Outside those activities, a dog off its owner's property and not under immediate control is at large.

How much is the fine for a dog at large in Benton County?

Section 9.820 sets a fine of up to $500 for each separate violation of Chapter 9, rising to $1,000 for a continuing violation, with every day of continued noncompliance treated as its own offense. Courts can also impose other conditions, and the county may pursue impoundment.

Sources & Official References

[1]Benton County Code of Ordinances (Municode)

Other rules in Benton County

Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions Wildlife Rescue PermitsFew Restrictions Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions Bird ProtectionSignificant Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSignificant Restrictions Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural MonumentsSignificant Restrictions Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited SpeciesSome Restrictions

All Benton County rules

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