Erie, PA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

01 defines 'running at large' as any animal off its owner's property and not under restraint, and it specifically requires that all dogs be restrained by a leash not more than six feet in length when off the property limits of the owner and on the public streets, sidewalks or property of the City. 02 places the duty squarely on the owner, who must keep the animal under restraint at all times and not permit it to run at large in the City; even on the owner's own property, the animal must be controlled enough to prevent it from attacking or threatening letter carriers, delivery workers or anyone else legitimately on the property.

04 requires the animal be impounded humanely at the City's shelter or animal control facility. 99 sets the general penalty for the article at not less than $100 nor more than $300, or imprisonment up to 90 days, or both, but gives first-time violators an out: if the owner produces, within 15 days, written proof the dog is spayed or neutered, licensed, and vaccinated against distemper, rabies and the applicable third disease, the citation is reduced to a warning with no fine.