Bristol, PA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Bristol Borough defines running at large as being on any public highway, street, alley, park or other public land, or on the property of anyone other than the owner, without being accompanied by or under the control of the owner or another person who has custody of the dog. Section 2-201 then defines "under reasonable control": when the dog is not on the owner's premises, the owner must have it secured by a leash not longer than six feet, of a type sufficient to hold that dog, and must otherwise keep it under reasonable control.

Section 2-202 makes it unlawful for the owner of any dog to allow it to run at large in the Borough of Bristol. It also requires the owner or keeper to keep the dog at all times in one of three conditions: confined within the owner's premises, firmly secured by a collar and chain or other device so it cannot stray beyond the premises, or under the reasonable control of some person (or in lawful hunting, exhibition or field training). The code's definition of confinement adds that the fenced area must be of sufficient design and material to reasonably confine the dog, secured by a gate with a lock, no smaller than six feet by 10 feet, and must still meet applicable zoning requirements including height and setback.

A separate weather rule in § 2-202, added in 2019, bars leaving a dog outside unattended while the National Weather Service has issued a severe weather warning for Bucks County, or when the temperature stays entirely below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (Code Blue) or above 90 degrees (Code Red) for more than 1/2 hour. A dog house only counts as shelter if it meets listed standards, including a solid moisture-proof floor raised at least two inches from the ground, clean bedding, unfrozen drinking water and a windbreak at the entrance during Code Blue events.

Under § 2-203 any police officer or dog warden can seize a dog found at large, and the dog is impounded in a licensed kennel. The Animal Control Officer appointed by Borough Council enforces Part 2 along with the Dog Law of 1982 but has no power of arrest.