Mariposa County, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Mariposa County is entirely unincorporated, so the county's own Animal Control ordinance (Title 6, Chapter 6.08) governs leashing throughout the county. Section 6.08.145 states that no owner, caretaker or keeper of a dog shall allow it to run at large in any public place, or on private property other than the owner's, without the property owner's consent. When in public, dogs must be "securely restrained by a substantial leash not to exceed eight (8) feet in length" and in the charge of a person competent to keep the dog under effective control. The ordinance lists exceptions: dogs assisting peace officers or in search and rescue at law-enforcement request; dogs participating in an organized training course, exhibition or competition with permission; dogs helping herd or control livestock; dogs accompanying a hunter where hunting is permitted; and dogs properly restrained in a vehicle per Vehicle Code Section 23117. Even on a leash, a dog may not be on another's private property without permission. Section 6.08.260 separately makes it a violation for a dog to be in a county park, recreation area, school or school grounds unless on a leash. Owners must also pick up and properly dispose of dog feces left on public or others' property.