Lake Elsinore, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Lake Elsinore's animal control code, LEMC Chapter 6.04, defines at large in 6.04.010 as any dog off the premises of its owner, custodian or caretaker that isn't under physical restraint by a leash appropriately sized and suited to the dog's temperament and held by someone capable of controlling it, or that isn't otherwise physically restrained by some other device; the definition specifically rules out voice control, eye control or signal control as a substitute for a leash. Section 6.04.160(H) then makes it unlawful for any dog's owner or handler, whether the dog is licensed or not, to permit it to roam, stray or run at large anywhere in the City.

The Animal Control Agency, which under 6.04.010 can be the City or its contracted provider, and the Sheriff's Department both enforce the chapter. A dog found running at large, including a female dog in season that gets loose, can also be grounds for revocation of an unaltered-animal license under Chapter 6.06 and can trigger impoundment. Separate provisions require vicious or unsafe dogs to be muzzled, leashed and controlled by an adult whenever off the owner's premises under 6.04.250(A), and require sentry dogs to stay under immediate physical restraint if they leave the premises under 6.04.160(K).