Marion, OH Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Division (B) of § 618.16 applies at all times, with one carve-out: a dog lawfully engaged in hunting and accompanied by its owner, keeper, harborer or handler. Outside that exception the owner must keep the dog physically confined or restrained upon the premises, by a leash, tether, adequate fence, supervision, or secure enclosure to prevent escape, or keep it under the reasonable control of some person. Division (A) adds a stricter rule for a female dog in heat: she cannot go beyond the premises at any time she is in heat unless the dog is properly in leash.

A separate at-large rule sits in § 618.01. Division (A)(3) defines at large as off the premises of the owner or custodian and not under the immediate control of the owner or custodian. Division (B) bars a person who owns, keeps or has charge of any animal or fowl from permitting it to run at large in any street, road, alley or other public place, or to go upon private ground that is not the person's property.

Under § 618.17(A) the Police Division or the Dog Warden can impound every dog found in violation of § 618.01. A dog without a valid license tag goes to the officer charged by law with the custody and disposal of such dogs. If the dog wears a valid tag, or the owner is otherwise identified, notice goes to the owner by telephone or ordinary mail. The dog is released only on payment of the reasonable expenses for its taking and keeping, and a dog unclaimed within ten days of the mailing of written notice, or of actual notice, is sold or otherwise disposed of as provided by law.

Dangerous and vicious dogs face a harder standard: off the premises they must be on a chain-link leash or tether not more than six feet long, plus a locked enclosure, a person of suitable age and discretion controlling the leash, or a muzzle (§ 618.16(C)(2)).