Lima, OH Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash length
- 20 feet
- City section
- Lima CO 618.09
- State backup
- ORC 955.22
- At-large offense
- Minor misdemeanor
- Owner liability
- All damage caused
Summary
Lima requires every dog off its owner's property to be on a leash no greater than 20 feet in public places or on another person's premises. Loose dogs are cited under the running-at-large rule.
No person being the owner, harborer, keeper, or having care, custody, or control of any dog shall permit it to be upon any public place or upon the premises of another without a leash no greater than 20 feet in length.
Full Breakdown
Under Lima Codified Ordinance 618.09 (General Animal Regulations), no owner, harborer, keeper, or person with care, custody or control of any dog may permit it to be upon any public place or upon the premises of another without a leash no greater than 20 feet in length. A dog running at large on public ways, unenclosed land, or another's premises is a separate offense. Ohio Revised Code 955.22 also independently requires owners to keep dogs physically confined or restrained on their property or under a person's reasonable control at all times, so both city and state leash duties apply within Lima.
Violations & Fines
Permitting a dog at large is generally a minor misdemeanor; owners are also liable for all damage the animal causes. Repeat or aggravated violations escalate under 618.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard?
Is there a retractable-leash length limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lima
Compare Lima to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview
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