Lafayette Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length limit
- 15 feet
- Cats
- exempt from leash rule
- Off-leash area
- Moore Park, Court Drive entry
- 1st habitual-nuisance fine
- $250
- Applies in
- city and unincorporated parish
Summary
Dogs must be under direct control on a leash of no more than 15 feet whenever off the owner's escape-proof property, in both the City of Lafayette and the unincorporated parish; cats are exempt entirely.
(a) No dog shall be allowed to run at large, whether he is tagged or untagged or whether he is on private or public property, except where such private property is the private property of such owner or person in charge and such property precludes the escape or possible escape of such animal, and except as provided in subsection (b) of this section. ... (c) All cats may be at large.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Lafayette City-Parish Code Sec. 10-121 bans dogs running at large anywhere in the City of Lafayette or the unincorporated parish unless the property is the owner's and precludes escape. A leash means a rope, chain, cord or electronic device up to 15 feet long, strong enough to keep the animal under direct control (Sec. 10-2). One designated area exists for off-leash exercise and training: the section inside the Court Drive entrance to Moore Park, where owners must still keep voice control. Cats are exempt from the leash and at-large rules entirely under Sec. 10-121(c).
Violations & Fines
Habitual violations (2+ incidents within a month) draw a $250 fine for a first offense, $350 for a second, $500 for a third, plus impoundment of the animal on the third offense (Sec. 10-76).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats need a leash in Lafayette Parish?
Is there anywhere dogs can run off-leash in Lafayette?
Does this leash law apply outside the City of Lafayette?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lafayette Parish
Compare Lafayette Parish to another location·View the Louisiana animal ordinances overview
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