Islip, NY Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code of the Town of Islip § 12-2
- Rule
- No dog may be at large, leashed or under control off-premises
- Exemption
- Suffolk County Police K-9 in pursuit
- First-offense fine
- $25–$300 or up to 15 days
- Seizure redemption
- $25 first seizure + $10 per 24 hrs
Summary
Town of Islip Code § 12-2 makes it unlawful for any dog owner, licensed or not, to let a dog run at large anywhere in the Town. "At large" means off the owner's premises and not under control by leash, cord or chain: the only exemption is a Suffolk County Police K-9 chasing a suspected criminal.
AT LARGE Off the premises of the owner and not under the control of the owner or a member of his family, whether by leash, cord or chain.
§ 12-2. Leash for dogs at large required.
A. It shall be unlawful hereunder for any owner of any dog to allow such dog, whether licensed or unlicensed, to be at large within the Town.
B. This section, however, shall not apply to any dog owned by the Suffolk County Police Department, Canine Section, when such dog is allowed to be at large within the Town in pursuit of a suspected criminal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4826765; v112 updated 2026-02-24; through 02-24-2026).
Full Breakdown
" Section 12-2(A), as amended by Local Law No. " The only carve-out in Subsection B covers a Suffolk County Police Department Canine Section dog while pursuing a suspected criminal. Enforcement runs through the Town's Animal Control Officer, police officers or peace officers, who under § 12-3 may seize any dog that is unidentified and not under the owner's immediate control, unlicensed, or believed dangerous, and remove it to the Town of Islip Animal Shelter. Unidentified dogs are held five days; identified dogs are held seven days after personal notice or nine days after mailed notice, and redemption requires proof of ownership, proof of licensing, and graduated fees starting at $25 for a first seizure plus $10 per additional 24-hour period, rising to $70 by a fifth seizure.
Dogs unredeemed at the end of the hold period are forfeited for adoption or euthanasia, and adoption requires prior licensing plus a $50 dog / $30 cat fee under § 12-3(D).
Violations & Fines
Under § 12-34(A), a first at-large offense under Article I carries a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $300, or up to 15 days' imprisonment, or both. A second conviction within five years raises the fine range to $50–$300; a third or subsequent conviction within five years brings a fine of $200–$500, still capped at 15 days' imprisonment. Seized dogs also face redemption fees under § 12-3(B) on top of any court fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard in Islip?
What happens if Animal Control seizes my dog for being at large?
Is there any exception to Islip's leash law?
What is the penalty for repeat at-large violations in Islip?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Islip
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Suffolk County handle dog leash laws.