Bozeman, MT Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum leash length
- Six feet, leash or chain of sufficient tensile strength
- Training exception
- Longer leash only during instructional obedience training
- Dog-free areas
- East Gallatin beach and lake, Bronken Fields, softball complex, Story Mill Nature Sanctuary
- Centennial Park hours
- Restraint-free only 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. MST
- Impound redemption window
- 96 hours
- Nuisance trigger
- More than two separate at-large occurrences
Summary
Bozeman Municipal Code § 8.02.080 requires dogs on any street, sidewalk, public way, park or other public space in the City of Bozeman, Montana to be on a leash or chain not exceeding six feet, except in designated restraint-free areas. Owners cannot let any animal run at large or leave one unattended in public.
A.It is unlawful for the owner of any animal to fail to keep such animal under restraint or to permit such animal to run at large upon the streets and public ways of the city.B.Any dog, while on a street, sidewalk, public way, or in a park or other public space, other than areas as designated pursuant to subsection G of this section, or upon any private property without the consent of the property owner, shall be secured by a leash or chain of sufficient tensile strength to restrain the particular dog, such leash or chain not to exceed six feet in length. However, while actually participating in instructional obedience training, dogs may be temporarily restrained by a leash of greater length.C.No owner or custodian of any animal shall leave such animal unattended while on a street, sidewalk, public way, or in a park or other public space, or fail to exercise proper care and control of such animal to prevent the same from becoming a nuisance.
Full Breakdown
Section 8.02.080(A) makes it unlawful for the owner of any animal to fail to keep it under restraint or to let it run at large on the streets and public ways of the city. Under section 8.02.010, under restraint means secured by a leash not to exceed six feet in length or securely enclosed within the owner's real property limits. A leash is a line, chain or lead and does not include an electronic leash or shock collar. Subsection B applies the six-foot rule to any dog on a street, sidewalk, public way, park or other public space, and to any private property without the owner's consent. A longer leash is allowed only while a dog is actually taking part in instructional obedience training. Subsection C bars leaving an animal unattended in public and requires proper care and control so it does not become a nuisance. Subsection D requires a female dog or cat in heat to stay in a secure enclosed area on the owner's premises.
Subsection F lists dog-free areas where dogs are barred even on a leash: the East Gallatin Recreation Area beach and lake (adjoining trails to the north and east are open), Bronken Fields, the softball complex, established playgrounds, beaches, ice rinks and sports fields, and the Story Mill Park Nature Sanctuary.
Subsection G exempts named restraint-free areas from the leash rule: Burke Park where signed, Canine Beach at the Bozeman Pond, Highland Park, Snowfill, Gallatin County Regional Park, Cooper Park, Centennial Park, West Paw Dog Park at Story Mill Community Park, and Lewis and Bark Dog Park at Bozeman Pond Park. The Centennial Park exemption applies only from 5:00 a.m. MST to 9:00 a.m. MST. The exemption does not excuse a nuisance. The city commission can add areas by resolution under subsection H.
An animal found at large can be taken to the animal shelter under section 8.02.130, and the owner must redeem it within 96 hours under section 8.02.140. A dog running at large on more than two separate occasions is a nuisance under section 8.02.010. Owners must also promptly remove and dispose of feces under section 8.02.160.
Violations & Fines
A leash or at-large violation is a criminal misdemeanor or a municipal infraction, chosen by the animal control officer, chief of police or city attorney. Section 8.02.200 sets criminal fines of $100.00 to $200.00 for a first offense, $200.00 to $300.00 for a second and $300.00 to $500.00 for a third. A municipal infraction carries a $100.00 civil penalty, reduced to $50.00 if paid within ten business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bozeman
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