Meriden, CT Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length limit
- 10 feet maximum (§ 65-5A)
- Applies to
- Public streets, sidewalks, public property
- Exceptions
- Government agency dogs, service animals (§ 65-5C)
- Fine
- $50 citation under § 65-5D
- At-large risk
- Impoundment under § 65-11B
- Adopted
- September 17, 2015
Summary
In the City of Meriden, dogs must stay on a leash or lead no longer than 10 feet whenever they are on a public street, sidewalk or other public property, unless in a dog run. Meriden Code § 65-5 exempts government and service dogs, and a violation carries a $50 citation.
§ 65-5. Control of dogs in public places.
A. Leashing of dogs in public places. Except in a dog run established by the town or any private entity, no owner or keeper shall bring any dog onto any public street, sidewalk or any other public property unless the dog is on a leash or lead that is no more than 10 feet long and under the control of its owner or keeper at all times.
B. Conduct of dogs in public places. The owner or keeper of the dog shall exercise proper care and control of the dog and prevent the same from becoming a public nuisance. No owner or keeper shall allow any dog under their supervision to dig, dig up, mutilate, deface or destroy any public property.
C. Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
(1) Dogs used by a governmental agency.
(2) A service animal as defined by 28 CFR 36.104.
D. In addition to other penalties as set out in this chapter and/or the Connecticut General Statutes, a violation of this section may be subject to a citation in the amount of $50.
Full Breakdown
Meriden Code Section 65-5, part of the Animal ordinance adopted September 17, 2015, governs control of dogs in public places. Subsection A requires that, except in a dog run established by the town or a private entity, no owner or keeper may bring a dog onto any public street, sidewalk or other public property unless the dog is on a leash or lead no more than 10 feet long and under the owner's or keeper's control at all times. Subsection B separately requires the owner or keeper to exercise proper care and control so the dog does not become a public nuisance, and bars letting a dog dig, dig up, mutilate, deface or destroy public property.
Subsection C exempts two categories from the leash rule: dogs used by a governmental agency, and a service animal as defined by 28 CFR 36.104. Subsection D sets the penalty at a citation of up to $50, in addition to any other penalty available under the chapter or the Connecticut General Statutes. A dog that gets off-leash and roams at-large also exposes its owner to impoundment: Section 65-11B lets the Animal Control Officer seize and impound any roaming or at-large dog, on top of the Section 65-5 citation.
Enforcement runs through the Animal Control Officer, Assistant Animal Control Officers or a Meriden Police Officer under Section 65-14C, and anyone cited may appeal through the citation process in Chapter 86 of the Meriden City Code, per Section 65-14B.
Violations & Fines
Bringing a dog onto a Meriden public street, sidewalk or other public property off-leash, or on a lead longer than 10 feet, violates Section 65-5A and carries a citation of up to $50 under Section 65-5D. A dog that ends up roaming at-large can also be impounded under Section 65-11B. Citations may be issued by the Animal Control Officer, an Assistant Animal Control Officer, or a Meriden Police Officer, with appeal rights under Chapter 86.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Meriden require dogs to be leashed in public?
What is the maximum leash length allowed in Meriden?
Are service animals exempt from Meriden's leash law?
What happens if my dog gets loose in Meriden?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Meriden
Compare Meriden to another location·View the Connecticut animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.