Sutter County, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Statewide leash law
- None in California; rules are local
- County requirement
- Animals must be contained, not run free
- Enforcing agency
- Sutter Animal Services Authority (SASA)
- Rabies-area leash limit
- 6 ft max, adult control (Food & Ag Code)
- Shelter location
- 200 Garden Hwy, Yuba City
Summary
California has no statewide leash law, so control of dogs at large in unincorporated Sutter County is handled through the county animal code and zoning rules requiring animals to be contained on the owner's property. Dogs may not run free, chase people, or create a nuisance, and Sutter Animal Services Authority enforces these standards.
[It shall be unlawful to permit such dog] (a) In or upon any public street or other public place in the County or in or upon any property belonging to the County unless such dog is restrained by a leash and is under the complete control of the person owning or at the time in possession of such dog. Such leash shall not be more than eight feet in length.
Full Breakdown
There is no single statewide California leash statute; leash and at-large rules are set locally. ' Sutter Animal Services Authority (SASA), operating out of 200 Garden Highway in Yuba City, is the agency that responds to loose-dog and nuisance-dog complaints in the unincorporated county. Where California's rabies-area rules under the Food & Agricultural Code apply, a dog that is exempt from rabies vaccination must be confined to the owner's premises and, when off the premises, kept on a leash not exceeding six feet under the direct physical control of an adult.
The county also treats a dog that interferes with people's lawful movement, chases vehicles, or otherwise creates a nuisance as a violation. Because specific off-leash exceptions and any designated areas are administered by SASA, owners should confirm current requirements directly with the agency. No officially sourced off-leash dog park in the unincorporated county was identified in published county materials.
Violations & Fines
Allowing a dog to run at large, chase people or vehicles, or otherwise create a nuisance can trigger impoundment by Sutter Animal Services Authority, redemption and care fees, and citation. A dog off the owner's premises in a rabies-control situation must be leashed (max six feet) under adult control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does California require dogs to be on a leash?
Who do I call about a loose dog in unincorporated Sutter County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sutter County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sutter County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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