Berwyn, IL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Berwyn Code of Ordinances § 616.02(A) bars every animal from running at large in the city. Any animal found at large is impounded by the Chief of Police, and the owner or the person who has possession of the animal and lets it run loose is guilty of a violation. The same division treats herding or picketing animals on unenclosed land without the landowner's consent, or in a street, alley, parkway, public ground or railway lands, as running at large.

Division (B) is the leash rule for pets. A dog or cat on any public street, alley, sidewalk, parkway or unenclosed place is deemed at large unless it is firmly held on a leash or is in an enclosed vehicle. The text sets no general leash length for ordinary dogs.

A dog that is deemed at large and, without provocation, chases or approaches a person in an apparent attitude of attack on public property, or anywhere outside its owner's property, can be declared aggressive by the Chief of Police after a review of the facts. Notice goes to the owner of record within three days. The owner then has five days after receipt to ask for a hearing in writing; the Chief forwards the request to the Mayor, who schedules an administrative hearing before the Mayor or a designee, and that determination is final.

Once a dog is declared aggressive, the owner has ten business days to buy and keep in force liability insurance of at least $100,000, with the city named as a holder of the policy and at least 30 days' notice to the city and the Chief of Police before expiration or cancellation. Off the owner's property, an aggressive dog must be muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding four feet.

Impounded animals are handled under § 616.07(A): the Police Department holds them, the animal control officer logs breed, color and gender, and a licensed animal is redeemed by paying fees, penalties and a daily boarding charge. Under § 616.07(D) the Mayor can also publish a notice barring any specific dog or cat from running at large unless securely muzzled, or barring running at large altogether.