Bozeman requires dogs to be leashed on public property unless they are within a designated off-leash area, and the leash must be six feet or shorter. Letting a dog run at large is unlawful under Chapter 8 of the Bozeman Municipal Code. Penalties escalate from a $100 fine to $200, $300, and ultimately a criminal charge for repeat offenders.
Under Chapter 8 (Animals), Article 2 of the Bozeman Municipal Code, it is unlawful for the owner of any animal to fail to keep it under restraint or to permit it to run at large on the streets and public ways of the city. On public property, dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, except within the boundaries of a designated off-leash area. Bozeman Animal Control - part of the Bozeman Police Department - enforces the leash law, and officers have noted it is one of the most frequently broken ordinances in town. Dangerous or vicious dogs carry an additional duty: the owner must confine the animal inside a building or a secure enclosure on the owner's property. Liability also shifts with restraint - if a leashed, restrained dog is attacked by an unrestrained dog, the owner of the off-leash dog is generally held liable for resulting injuries and veterinary or medical bills.
Bozeman uses an escalating penalty ladder for off-leash and at-large dogs: a first offense can bring a warning or a municipal fine of up to $100, rising to $200 for a second offense and $300 for a third; a fourth violation can be charged as a criminal (misdemeanor) offense at the officer's discretion. Owners of unrestrained dogs can also be civilly liable for injuries their dog causes.
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See how Bozeman's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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