Highland, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length
- Not more than six feet
- Handler age
- At least 13 years old, full control
- Leash-optional hours
- Dawn to dusk only
- Dogs per person
- No more than two in a leash-optional area
- Minimum dog age
- Four months, rabies vaccinated, licensed
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor or infraction; each day separate
Summary
In Highland, California city parks and recreation facilities, dogs and cats must be on a leash of not more than six feet, under the full control of a person at least 13 years old. Posted leash-optional areas created by City Council resolution are the exception, with their own conduct rules.
Except as provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person within the limits of any park or other recreation facility owned or operated by the city to: A. Lead or let loose any animal except: 1. Dogs or cats on a leash of not more than six feet long, which are under the full control of a person of at least 13 years old; 2. Horses, ponies or the like which are ridden or led on bridle trails or other areas designated for such purposes;
Full Breakdown
Section 12.06.030(A)(1) of the Highland Municipal Code makes it unlawful to lead or let loose any animal within the limits of any park or other recreation facility owned or operated by the City of Highland, except dogs or cats on a leash of not more than six feet long that are under the full control of a person of at least 13 years old. The only other animals named in the exception are horses, ponies or the like that are ridden or led on bridle trails or other areas designated for that purpose. The rule reaches parks and recreation facilities the city owns or operates; it is not a citywide leash ordinance.
Section 12.06.040 carves out exemptions. The leash requirement does not apply to a dog used by a law enforcement agency, to a dog in a formal obedience training program or a dog show or program expressly permitted or sponsored by the city, or to a dog inside a posted leash-optional area of a city-owned park established by City Council resolution. The owner still has to keep proper control and carries the liability for damages.
In a leash-optional area the code adds conditions. No person can have more than two dogs at one time, dogs must be under voice control, and dogs are permitted between dawn and dusk only. Each dog must be at least four months old, vaccinated for rabies and currently licensed by the city's animal control authority, and no dog that is sick, in heat, injured or aggressive is allowed. Food or treats cannot be brought in. Owners must quiet a barking dog and promptly remove and dispose of waste. No animals other than dogs are permitted, and using the area is an agreement to indemnify the city.
Violations & Fines
A violation of the park rules is a misdemeanor, or an infraction if prosecuted that way at the discretion of the city attorney or the district attorney (§ 12.06.090). The same conduct can draw an administrative citation under Chapter 2.56, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense. The remedies are cumulative, so the city can use more than one at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog leash be in a Highland park?
Are there off-leash dog areas in Highland city parks?
Does this section apply outside city parks?
Who is exempt from the park leash rule in Highland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Highland
California rules heatmap·Compare Highland to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle dog leash laws.