Henderson, NV Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- HMC § 7.08.020, Animals at Large
- Leash requirement
- Leash + effective control off owner's property
- 1st citation fine
- $100 residential administrative citation
- Max penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine, 6 months jail
- Exemptions
- Feral/community cats; sanctioned performance events
Summary
Henderson law requires every dog be confined to its owner's property or kept on a leash under effective control anywhere off that property: streets, sidewalks, parks, alleys, or even an unfenced private lot counts as at large.
It shall be unlawful for any person having charge, custody or control of any animal to permit the same to be at large or trespass on the private premises of another, or to be on any public highway, street, alley, court, public ground, or unfenced lot. All animals must be confined to the owners' property or shall be on a leash and under effective control of the person holding said leash of the animal, when on any public property, any highway, street, alley, court, park, public ground, fenced lot or wash. Leash requirements do not apply to designated enclosed areas of animal parks or animals participating in sanctioned performance events. Feral cats and community cats are exempt from this provision.
(Ord. No. 4115, § 2, 10-21-2025)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Henderson Municipal Code § 7.08.020 bans letting any animal 'be at large or trespass on the private premises of another, or be on any public highway, street, alley, court, public ground, or unfenced lot.' Dogs must stay confined to the owner's property or be on a leash and under the effective control of the handler whenever off it, including in fenced lots, parks and washes. Henderson animal protection services and police enforce the rule. Leashes aren't required in designated off-leash areas of animal parks or during sanctioned performance events, and feral/community cats are exempt.
Violations & Fines
First offense administrative citation runs $100 (residential); second $300; third and up $500. Violations can also be prosecuted as a misdemeanor carrying up to $1,000 and six months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in my own fenced backyard in Henderson?
Does Henderson's leash law apply to cats?
What happens if my dog gets loose and animal protection picks it up?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Henderson
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