Johnson County, KS Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Nuisance behavior
- Aggression, chasing, property damage, harassment at large
- Repeat offense
- 2 convictions/12 mo. triggers leash order
- Fine
- $50-$100 per day, Class D infraction
- Stray hold period
- 5 days before shelter disposition
- Enforcement
- County sheriff / animal control officers
- Jurisdiction
- District Court, codes court division
Summary
A dog running loose in unincorporated Johnson County becomes a "nuisance dog" under Sec. 10-63 if it acts aggressively, chases people, damages property, or harasses livestock while at large. A second nuisance conviction in any 12-month period forces the owner to keep that dog confined or leashed in public afterward, and violations carry a $50 to $100 daily fine.
(a)Any dog which engages in any of the following types of behavior is deemed a nuisance:(1)While running at large and without provocation, exhibits aggression or combativeness toward a person whether or not the person is actually attacked, bitten, or otherwise physically injured by the dog;(2)Molests, chases, or interferes with a person in the public right-of-way;(3)Damages public or private property other than that of its owner; or(4)Harasses any person or livestock without provocation.(b)It shall be a violation of this article to own a nuisance dog. Any person who is twice convicted for the actions of the owner's dog in any 12-month period shall thereafter keep the nuisance dog confined on the owner's property or on a leash when in public.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Resolutions: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 10, article II of the Johnson County Code of Resolutions does not impose a blanket leash mandate on every dog in unincorporated Johnson County; instead it regulates dogs through the "nuisance dog" and "dangerous dog" categories. Sec. " Owning a nuisance dog is itself a violation, and Sec. " Separately, Sec. 10-58 defines a "stray" to include a dog "found running at large with no collar" whose owner has not claimed it after five days of impoundment, and Sec. 10-65 authorizes the sheriff to seize and impound any nuisance, dangerous, or stray dog, humanely destroy or release unclaimed dogs after five days, and bill the owner for boarding costs.
Sec. 10-59 designates the sheriff and his deputies as the enforcing code enforcement officers, gives them authority to demand identification from suspected violators, and makes it unlawful to refuse to surrender a dog requested under the impoundment provisions.
Violations & Fines
Owning a nuisance dog is a Class D infraction under Sec. 10-60, punishable by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $100, and each day the violation continues is a separate offense. A second conviction within 12 months triggers the mandatory leash-or-confinement order in Sec. 10-63(b). Jurisdiction sits in Johnson County District Court, codes court division (Sec. 10-61), and impounded dogs are held at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a dog a "nuisance dog" in unincorporated Johnson County?
Is there a blanket leash law for unincorporated Johnson County?
What happens if my dog is impounded as a stray?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Johnson County
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