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Lincoln, NE Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
All animals except pigeons, citywide
Enforced by
City Animal Control (the Director)
First impoundment fee
$40 plus boarding cost
Hazardous loose animal
Can be destroyed without notice
Dangerous dogs off-property
Must be leashed and muzzled

Summary

Lincoln bans letting any animal except pigeons run loose or at large citywide, and Animal Control can impound it or, if it is uncontrollable and hazardous, destroy it without prior owner notice.

No person keeping or harboring any animal shall permit such animal, except pigeons, to go loose or run at large. In the event that an animal found running at large is creating a hazard to life or property, such animal shall be destroyed if it cannot be confined or captured. The Director shall not be required to give notice to the owner of such an animal prior to its destruction.

Source: Municode LibraryView official code

Full Breakdown

Lincoln Municipal Code Title 6 prohibits keeping or harboring any animal, dogs included, pigeons excepted, that goes loose or runs at large anywhere in the city. Animal Control can impound a loose dog under Section 6.04.130, and owners owe impoundment fees starting at $40 for a first offense and rising to $75 by the third. If a loose animal is creating an immediate hazard to life or property and cannot be captured or confined, it must be destroyed without prior notice to the owner. Dogs already declared dangerous face a stricter chain-or-leash-and-muzzle requirement under Section 6.10.070.

Violations & Fines

Violating the running-at-large ban is a separate offense under Title 6; loose animals can be impounded, and Animal Control can destroy one that is uncontrollable and hazardous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lincoln require dogs to be on a leash?
Yes. Lincoln bans letting any animal, including dogs, go loose or run at large anywhere in the city (Lincoln Municipal Code § 6.04.120), which functions as the city's leash requirement.
What happens if my dog gets loose in Lincoln?
Animal Control can impound it under § 6.04.130. You'll owe impoundment and boarding fees starting at $40, with higher fees for repeat impoundments.
Is there a stricter leash rule for dangerous dogs?
Yes. Section 6.10.070 requires dogs declared dangerous or potentially dangerous to be on a chain or leash, and muzzled if dangerous, whenever off the owner's property.

Sources & Official References

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All Lincoln rules

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