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

A of the Bloomington City Code makes it the duty of every dog owner or possessor to keep the dog under restraint at all times, whether on or off the owner's premises. While on the premises, "under restraint" means the dog is securely and humanely enclosed in a house, building, fence or pen it cannot climb, dig, jump or otherwise escape, with the enclosure locked whenever the dog is unattended, or tethered to an object that keeps it at least 10 feet from the property line, sidewalk or right-of-way, or on a leash under the control of a capable person who stays present with the animal.

While off the premises, a dog is under restraint only if it is confined in a vehicle, confined within a secure enclosure with the property owner's permission, or physically controlled at all times on a chain, cord or leash strong enough to prevent escape; voice control alone does not satisfy the requirement once the dog leaves its owner's property. The Police Department is authorized to impound any dog found not restrained as required, under § 8-203, and the City can pursue a citation or complaint under § 8-209 that may lead to a court appearance and an arrest warrant if the owner fails to appear.