Madison, AL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash required
- In all public spaces
- Code section
- Madison City Code § 6-11
- Running at large
- Unlawful citywide
- 1st-offense fine
- $25 minimum
- Enforced by
- Animal Control Officer
Summary
Madison requires dogs to be kept under restraint. Any dog on a street, sidewalk, park, or other public space must be secured by a leash strong enough to restrain it. Letting a dog run at large is unlawful.
Any dog, while on a street, sidewalk, public way or in any park, public square or other public space, shall be secured by a leash of sufficient strength to restrain the particular dog.
Full Breakdown
Under Madison City Code § 6-11, it is unlawful for an owner to fail to keep an animal under restraint or to let it run at large on city streets and public ways. On any street, sidewalk, public way, park, public square, or other public space, a dog must be on a leash of sufficient strength to restrain that particular dog. "At large" means off the owner's property and not under effective control or restraint of a person physically able to restrain the animal (§ 6-1). Female dogs in heat must be confined. The rules are enforced by the Animal Control Officer under the Chief of Police.
Violations & Fines
Allowing an animal to run at large carries minimum fines of $25 (1st), $50 (2nd), and $100 (3rd offense) under § 6-2, plus impoundment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need a leash in Madison parks?
Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
Compare Madison to another location·View the Alabama animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Madison County handle dog leash laws.