Columbus, OH Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 2327.11
- Base penalty
- Misdemeanor, 3rd degree (dogs)
- Aggravated penalty
- Misdemeanor, 1st degree if harm caused
- Liability standard
- Strict liability
- Exemption
- Banded homing pigeons
Summary
Columbus dogs must stay leashed or under direct control off their owner's property, and can never run at large under City Code 2327.11.
No owner of any animal, shall permit the animal to enter upon any property not that of the animal's owner, when it is not securely leashed or under direct control. It shall be prima-facie evidence that a dog is not under direct control if it chases, injures or kills any person or domestic animal or damages or commits any nuisance upon property other than that of its owner.(C)Whoever violates this section is guilty of permitting animals running at large, a minor misdemeanor. If the animal is a dog, a violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the third degree. If the animal causes physical harm to any person, or if the offender is, or has been, the owner of a dog which was declared a dangerous or vicious animal, a violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.(D)This section does not apply to homing pigeons bearing official bands.(E)Strict liability is intended to be imposed for a violation of this section. (Ord. 2535-94; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Form Based Code: ?).
Full Breakdown
Columbus City Code 2327.11 bars owners from letting any animal run at large or enter property that isn't the owner's unless the animal is securely leashed or under direct control. A dog that chases, injures, or kills a person or another animal, or damages property, is presumed not under control. Violations are a minor misdemeanor generally, a third-degree misdemeanor for dogs specifically, and a first-degree misdemeanor if the dog causes physical harm or its owner has a prior dangerous/vicious-dog dog declaration. Homing pigeons wearing official bands are exempt, and the section imposes strict liability.
Violations & Fines
Minor misdemeanor generally; third-degree misdemeanor for a loose dog; first-degree misdemeanor if the dog injures someone or the owner has a prior dangerous/vicious dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need to be leashed in Columbus?
What happens if my dog gets loose and bites someone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
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