Moorpark, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash required
- held continuously by hand
- Applies on
- public and private property
- Exceptions
- owner's property, dog parks
- First-offense fine
- up to $100/day
Summary
Moorpark requires every dog to be on a continuously held leash whenever off the owner's own property, on public or private land alike, except in designated dog parks.
It is unlawful for any person that owns, harbors, or keeps any dog to tolerate, permit, or allow the dog to be unleashed, unless the dog is secured in a vehicle, or physically restrained in another humane manner of control. A leash shall be held continuously in the hand of a responsible person capable of controlling the dog. This leash requirement applies whenever the dog is on public or private property including on any public street, alley, lane, park, greenbelt, trail, or place of whatever nature that is open to and used by the public, except in any dog park when such dog and owner or keeper are in compliance with the requirements of this code with respect to use of dog parks.
B. It is unlawful for any person that owns, harbors, or keeps any dog to tolerate, permit, or allow the dog to be on any private property in the city without the permission of the person owning or occupying the private property.
C. Exceptions to the leash requirements of this section are when the dog is on the property of the person who has the charge or control of a dog, or when the dog is on the dog owner's property. (Ord. 504 § 2, 2022)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4978490; v10 updated 2026-07-01).
Full Breakdown
Moorpark Municipal Code § 6.08.050(A) makes it unlawful for a dog's owner, harborer, or keeper to allow the dog to be unleashed unless it is secured in a vehicle or otherwise physically restrained in a humane manner. The leash must be held continuously by a person capable of controlling the dog, and the rule applies on any public street, alley, park, trail, or private property, not just city land. The only carve-outs are a compliant dog park and the dog's own owner's property.
Violations & Fines
An unleashed dog is cited under the city's animal fine schedule: up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within 12 months, and $500 for each additional violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Moorpark's leash law apply on my own property?
What's the fine for an unleashed dog in Moorpark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Moorpark
California rules heatmap·Compare Moorpark to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle dog leash laws.