Dogs in The Bronx must be leashed at all times in public under NYC Health Code §161.05, with a maximum leash length of 6 feet. Off-leash hours apply only in designated Parks Department areas before 9 AM and after 9 PM. Pelham Bay Park, Van Cortlandt Park, and Crotona Park have designated off-leash zones.
Health Code §161.05 requires dogs on public streets and in public places to be restrained by an adequate collar and leash not exceeding 6 feet. NYC Parks Rules §1-04(i) allows off-leash activity only in designated areas and only before 9 AM and after 9 PM. Bronx off-leash areas include Seton Falls Park, Van Cortlandt Parade Ground, and Frank S. Hackett Park. Dogs must be licensed annually under Health Code §161.04 ($8.50 spayed/neutered, $25 otherwise). DOHMH and Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) issue summonses.
Unleashed dog: $100-$200 first, $200-$400 subsequent. Off-leash outside designated hours: $100. Unlicensed dog: $200. Dog in prohibited area (playgrounds): $100.
See how Bronx County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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