Bonner County, ID Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 10-311 puts the duty on the owner: dog owners shall at all times prevent their dogs from being at large. The definition of at large in § 10-120 reaches further than a roaming dog. It covers any animal on private property without the permission of the person who owns or has a right to possess or use the property, or in any other place or condition that presents substantial risk to animal or public health, safety or welfare. It also covers any dog unrestrained by a leash on public property, or on private property other than the owner's property or without the property owner's permission. Domestic livestock on an open range is not at large.

A qualifying leash is a rope, leather strap, chain or any other material, not exceeding six feet in length, held in the hand of a person capable of controlling, and actually controlling, the animal. Subsection C names the dogs that can be off leash without being at large: dogs in field trials and obedience trials, dogs actively engaged in herding livestock, dogs assisting a peace officer in law enforcement duties or search and rescue operations, and dogs hunting under Idaho department of fish and game regulations.

Section 10-312 adds that owners shall securely confine female dogs within an enclosure while in season (estrus). Enforcement runs through the Bonner County sheriff's department. Under § 10-510 any peace officer, animal control officer or person authorized by the sheriff can seize and impound animals found running at large on public streets, alleys or other public places, or on private premises without the owner's permission. An impounded dog is redeemed under § 10-531 by paying impound fees set from time to time by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners, and an unvaccinated dog needs a rabies vaccination with proof to the shelter within thirty days.