Weld County, CO Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash/tether
- Twenty-five feet
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Weld County
- Running at large
- Class 2 petty offense
- First-offense assessment
- $35
- Bodily injury
- Class 2 misdemeanor
Summary
In unincorporated Weld County it is unlawful to fail to control a dog. "Control" means a leash or tether no more than 25 feet, a containing device, or a fully enclosed escape-proof area. A dog off the premises and not under immediate physical control is "running at large."
Control means physical restraint of a dog by use of a leash or similar tether, of no more than twenty-five (25) feet in length, by the use of a containing device or by means of confinement within a fully enclosed area such as a yard or dog run from which a dog cannot escape. Control also means being in compliance with the terms of Section 14-4-20 below.
County means the unincorporated portion of Weld County, and excludes those areas which are within the city limits of any incorporated municipality within the County.
Daylight hours means one-half (½) hour before sunrise until one-half (½) hour after sunset.
Dog means any animal of the Canis familiaris species, or any hybrid thereof.
Guard dog means any dog which has been trained to protect and/or defend properties or persons, and is kept for the purpose of deterring persons who are not authorized by the dog's owner from entering either the premises used solely for commercial or agricultural purposes or any construction site, including any area used for the storage of construction materials.
Impound means to physically confine a dog at a licensed boarding facility at the direction of an animal control officer.
Leash means a thong, cord, rope, chain or similar device which is capable of restraining a dog.
Livestock means any bovine animal, horse, mule, ass, sheep, goat, fowl or swine.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Charter and County Code: Supplement 95).
Full Breakdown
Weld County Code Chapter 14, Article IV governs dogs on unincorporated land (Greeley, Evans and other towns set their own codes). Sec. 14-4-10 defines "control" as physical restraint by a leash or similar tether of no more than twenty-five feet, a containing device, or confinement in a fully enclosed yard or run the dog cannot escape. Sec. 14-4-20 makes it unlawful to fail to control a dog; a dog is uncontrolled if it runs at large, inflicts bodily injury, or if an owner exceeds the dog-count limits. It is an affirmative defense that the dog is working livestock or retrieving game for a licensed hunter during daylight hours. Enforcement is by the Sheriff and NOCO Humane.
Violations & Fines
Running at large is a Class 2 petty offense; penalty assessments start at $35 (first) rising to $250-$400 by the fourth offense. A dog that inflicts bodily injury is a Class 2 misdemeanor: $250-$1,000 and up to 180 days jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my dog's leash be in Weld County?
Is my dog allowed off-leash while herding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Weld County
Compare Weld County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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