Coeur d'Alene, ID Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 6.15.080 is a strict-liability rule. The owner or person charged with responsibility for an animal found running at large is liable regardless of the precautions taken to prevent the escape and regardless of whether he or she knows the animal is at large. The section defines at large through five triggers. First, leaving residential property unrestrained on a leash no longer than ten feet (10') in length, of sufficient strength to restrain the animal, and in control of a person of sufficient age and physically able to restrain and control it. Second, being allowed to trespass on another's property through damage or destruction of a mutual fence line. Third, being left unattended in a vehicle in a manner that lets any part of the animal hinder the public's use of or access to any place the public can lawfully be. Fourth, being herded on or across city property without city approval. Fifth, being chained, staked out or tethered on or attached to any public property, sign or structure, or in a manner that lets the animal go beyond the owner's property line or onto the public right of way. Domestic cats are the only animals the section exempts.

Parks are handled by section 4.25.080, which section 6.15.090 points to: no animal can be on the premises of any city beach, natural area, park, playground or play field, whether on a leash or not, unless city signs are posted allowing animals.

Dog owners carry related duties. Dogs six months and older must be licensed under section 6.10.010, and under section 6.10.020 the tag must be attached to the collar or harness and worn whenever the dog is off the owner's real property. A dog found at large without a valid tag is presumed unlicensed. Rabies vaccination is required under section 6.15.150. Section 6.15.130 makes it unlawful to allow an animal to attack, bite or chase any person, domesticated animal or wild animal.

Repeat at-large findings escalate. Under section 6.05.030 a dog previously classified as aggressive and found running at large two (2) or more times is a dangerous dog, and a dog previously determined dangerous and found at large two or more times is vicious.