Manteca, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max tether length
- 6 feet
- Applies
- Public property and private property without consent
- Enforced by
- Animal services officer
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100
Summary
Manteca bans dogs at large anywhere in the city and sets the legal definition of restrained: a chain, strap, or cord no longer than six feet, held by a person or staked down.
shall suffer, allow, or permit such dog to run, be, or remain at large on any public street, road, alley, park, square, or other public place or upon any private property other than the property of the owner or custodian of such dog without the consent of the owner of such property, within the corporate limits of the city; and all dogs may be deemed running at large within the meaning of this section unless tied or restrained by chain, strap or cord, not to exceed six feet in length, attached to their collars and actually held by some person, or staked away from the public walkway or thoroughfare. Any such restraining device shall be of sufficient strength as to prevent being broken, severed or otherwise rendered ineffective by the weight and/or strength of the dog. For purposes of this section, any dog in or upon any vehicle shall be deemed to be on the premises of the operator thereof. (Prior code § 3-13; Ord. 766 (part), 1987)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4829770; v11 updated 2026-04-21).
Full Breakdown
Under Manteca Municipal Code § 6.08.010, owners cannot let a dog run or remain at large on any street, alley, park, or other public place, or on private property without that owner's consent. A dog is deemed "at large" unless tied or restrained by a chain, strap, or cord not exceeding six feet, attached to the collar and actually held by a person, or staked away from the public walkway. A dog riding in or on a vehicle counts as being on the driver's premises, not at large.
Violations & Fines
Infraction: up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within 12 months, $500 for each additional offense, under the citywide general penalty at § 1.16.010; each day is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard?
Does a fenced yard satisfy the law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manteca
California rules heatmap·Compare Manteca to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Joaquin County handle dog leash laws.