Lane County, OR Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Lane County
- Governing section
- Lane Code 7.005.110
- At large (altered dog)
- Class C violation
- At large (fertile dog)
- Class B violation
- Injury by loose dog
- Negligent per se
Summary
In unincorporated Lane County, no owner may permit a dog to be at large. A "dog-at-large" is off the owner's premises and not under the owner's immediate control. Letting a dog run loose is a Class C or Class B violation.
A. No dog owner shall permit a dog to be at large. B. A dog owner, whose dog runs at large, commits a Class C violation if the dog has been spayed/neutered or a Class B violation if the dog is fertile. C. A dog owner is deemed to be negligent per se for the actions of a dog at large when the dog causes injury to a person or property.
Full Breakdown
Lane Code 7.005.110 states "No dog owner shall permit a dog to be at large." A "Dog-at-Large" (LC 7.005.005) means a dog off the premises of the owner and not under the owner's immediate control, with narrow exceptions for dog shows, obedience/hunting/livestock-protection work, and a dog on a road separating parts of the owner's property. An owner whose dog runs at large commits a Class C violation if the dog is spayed/neutered, or a Class B violation if it is fertile, and is deemed negligent per se if the loose dog injures a person or property. All dogs must display a current license/tag. Inside cities such as Eugene and Springfield, that city's leash ordinance governs.
Violations & Fines
Class C violation if the dog is spayed/neutered, Class B violation if fertile (LC 7.005.110B). The owner is deemed negligent per se when a dog at large injures a person or property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a leash legally required in Lane County?
What if my loose dog hurts someone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lane County
Compare Lane County to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
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