Lauderhill, FL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 4-16 of the Lauderhill Code, 'Leash required,' states that no dog shall be allowed upon the public streets of the city or in any public place, or upon property that is not enclosed, unless the dog is securely fastened to a suitable leash of dependable strength not to exceed eight feet in length. The section makes proof of ownership of any unleashed dog found in a violating area prima facie evidence of a violation by that owner, so the city does not have to show who was physically holding the leash at the time.

Section 4-16 cross-references Section 7½-3 for penalties, but Chapter 4's own citation provision, Section 4-26, sets the operative fine schedule for Article II violations: fifty dollars for a first offense, one hundred dollars for a second, and two hundred fifty dollars for a third or subsequent offense if the citation is not contested, or up to five hundred dollars if the owner contests the citation in county court. The 'animal control authority' enforcing the leash law is designated by Section 4-15(f) as the Lauderhill Police Department and the Lauderhill Code Enforcement Department, whose officers are deemed animal control officers for purposes of Chapter 4.