Elgin, IL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

010 defines 'running at large' as a dog being off the premises of its owner and not under the owner's control by means of a leash capable of physically restraining the dog's movement, and defines a leash as a cord, rope, strap, or chain securely fastened to the dog's collar or harness that is sufficient to physically restrain and control it. 100A makes it unlawful for an owner or anyone controlling a dog to permit it to run at large, or to fail to use reasonable care restraining it, at any time, with no exception for fenced yards elsewhere in the city or brief trips outside.

Any dog found running at large is declared a public nuisance that a police officer or the animal control officer may apprehend and impound immediately, without waiting for a hearing. A first at-large finding by the hearing officer or a court triggers a mandatory microchipping requirement within 30 days of the dog being reclaimed, at the owner's expense, if it isn't chipped already. A second at-large finding escalates to mandatory spay or neuter within 30 days of reclaiming the dog, again at the owner's cost. 260 for the underlying at-large violation itself.