Colonie, NY Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Article I of Chapter 79 implements New York Agriculture and Markets Law Article 7 at the local level. A dog is at large any time it is off the owner's property without a collar and a leash not exceeding eight feet, unless it is under the immediate control of its owner or a responsible person 16 or older who is physically able to control the dog. Licensing: every dog reaching four months of age must be licensed with the Colonie Town Clerk, with proof of current rabies vaccination as required by NY Ag and Markets Law section 109. The Town Clerk maintains a separate $35 annual permit for the town dog park, with $15 for each additional licensed dog at the same address. Enforcement is shared between the Town of Colonie Animal Control Officers and the Colonie Police Department, both of whom may serve process in criminal or civil proceedings under the article. Owners must also remove canine waste from public and private property they do not own, and dangerous dog proceedings are handled in Colonie Town Court under NY Ag and Markets Law section 123.