Menifee, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length cap
- 6 feet maximum
- Definition section
- MMC § 10.04.01 (AT LARGE)
- Prohibition section
- MMC § 10.04.160(A)
- Enforcing agency
- City of Menifee Animal Services
- Citation clearance window
- 10 days to demonstrate compliance
- Adopting ordinance
- Ord. 2018-252, passed 12-5-2018
Summary
Menifee bars any dog from running at large, and its Municipal Code Section 10.04.01 defines "at large" to require physical restraint by a leash no longer than six feet, always held by the owner or handler. Section 10.04.160(A) makes it unlawful for an owner to permit a dog to run at large, and violations run through Animal Services' infraction and administrative citation process.
AT LARGE. Any dog which is off the premises of its owner, custodian or caretaker and which is not under physical restraint by a leash of a size and material appropriate to the size and temperament of the dog and which is held by a person capable of restraining such dog, or is not otherwise physically restrained by some other device or instrumentality, except that such device or instrumentality shall not include voice control, eye control or signal control of the dog by any person, device or instrumentality. At no time shall a leash be longer than six feet in length and the leash must always be held by the owner (or person having control).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance 2026-432, passed 4-15-2026).
Full Breakdown
01's definition of AT LARGE covers any dog off its owner's, custodian's, or caretaker's premises that is not under physical restraint by a leash "of a size and material appropriate to the size and temperament of the dog" held by someone capable of controlling it; voice, eye, or signal control alone does not count as restraint. " A dog is also considered at large on its own owner's property if it isn't confined by physical restraint, fence, kennel, or voice command in a way that keeps it from leaving or lets outsiders wander in without trespassing.
100 authorizes any person to humanely capture a dog running at large and deliver it to the Animal Services Director. 020 separately bars any owner from permitting an animal or fowl at large on a street, sidewalk, or private property without the property owner's consent. 4 that states the violation, the penalty amount, payment instructions, and how to appeal.
Violations & Fines
A dog running at large is an infraction under Section 10.04.220, punishable by a Council-set fine, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense; the owner can clear a first citation within ten days by showing compliance and paying an administrative fee instead of going to court. Section 10.04.230 also authorizes a standalone administrative citation under Government Code Section 53069.4.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog leash be in Menifee?
Is voice control enough to keep my dog off-leash legally in Menifee?
What happens if my dog is caught running at large in Menifee?
Can I let my dog off-leash in my own fenced yard in Menifee?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Menifee
California rules heatmap·Compare Menifee to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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