Mount Vernon, NY Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

City of Mount Vernon Code § 116-1 bars any owner or custodian from permitting a dog to run or be at large in the streets, walks or public grounds of the City unless the dog wears a collar or harness bearing the owner's or custodian's name and address, legibly written, printed or stamped, and is effectively restrained by a chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length. The exception is when the dog is on its own owner's premises or on another person's premises with that person's knowledge and consent.

Proof that a dog was found running at large is presumptive evidence against the person in whose name the dog is registered or who harbors it. Under § 116-2, the Animal Shelter Warden, deputies or the Commissioner of Public Safety may seize any unleashed dog found in parks, streets or public areas. A seized, identified dog is held five days after personal notice or seven days after mailed notice for redemption; an unidentified dog is held five days from seizure. Redemption requires proof of current license plus payment of an escalating impoundment fee: $10 for a first impoundment of a given owner's dog, $20 for the first 24 hours of a second impoundment within a year, and $30 for the first 24 hours of a third or later impoundment within a year, plus $3 for each additional 24-hour period. An owner who lets the redemption period lapse forfeits title, and the dog is made available for adoption or euthanized.