Bossier Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Seizure fee
- $1.00 plus $0.25/day impounded
- Leash limit (named subdivisions)
- 6 feet
- General at-large penalty
- Up to $100.00 or 30 days
- Reclaim window
- 7 days from notice
- Rabies tag
- Required for every dog kept in parish
Summary
Bossier Parish lets the Sheriff, a constable, or any citizen seize a dog running loose on a public road, street, or place, or trespassing off its owner's property. In 41 named subdivisions, dogs on a street must stay on a leash or chain no longer than six feet.
(1)No dog shall be permitted to run or be upon any street unless such dog is under the immediate control of a competent person and restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length. Dogs found by the parish sheriff's department or rabies control unit to be at large may be seized and impounded. ... Any citizen may, or the sheriff, constable or other police officers shall, seize any dog found unaccompanied by its owner or keeper and running at large on any road, street or other public place, or trespassing on any premises other than the premises of the owner. ... Any person who permits a dog owned by him or under his control or custody to run or remain at large within the parish in violation of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $100.00, or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both, in the discretion of the court.
Full Breakdown
Section 14-43 authorizes any citizen, or requires the sheriff, constable, or other police officers, to seize a dog found unaccompanied by its owner and running at large on any road, street, or other public place, or trespassing on premises other than the owner's. 25 per day of impoundment. Section 14-3 adds a stricter leash rule inside 41 named subdivisions, including Tall Timbers, River Ridge, and Lake Ridge: no dog may be on a street unless under the immediate control of a competent person and restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length, and dogs found at large there may be seized by the Sheriff's department or the rabies control unit.
Separately, Section 14-45 bars any female dog in season from running at large, and Section 14-46 lets the parish health unit place the entire parish, or any designated part of it, under quarantine and bar all dogs from running at large during a declared rabies epidemic. Section 14-41 requires every dog kept in the parish to carry a current rabies tag.
Violations & Fines
Section 14-48 makes it a misdemeanor to permit a dog to run or remain at large anywhere in the parish, punishable by a fine of up to $100.00, imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both, at the court's discretion. Inside the 41 named subdivisions, Section 14-3's own penalty table applies instead, starting at $20.00 or ten days for a first offense and rising to $100.00 or 30 days for a third.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a parishwide leash law in Bossier Parish?
How do I get my dog back after it's impounded in Bossier Parish?
What happens to dogs during a rabies epidemic in Bossier Parish?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bossier Parish
Compare Bossier Parish to another location·View the Louisiana animal ordinances overview
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