Nashua, NH Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash required
- off owner's premises
- Off-leash exception
- City-approved fenced dog parks only
- At-large dogs
- impounded under § 93-6
- Enforced by
- Animal Control Officer
- Penalty
- fine under § 93-14
Summary
Nashua dogs must be leashed or physically restrained whenever they leave their owner's property; the only exception is inside a City-approved, fenced off-leash dog park. Dogs caught loose can be impounded by Animal Control.
It shall be unlawful for any dog to run at large. The term "at large" means off the premises of the owner or keeper, and not under leash or other physical restraint of the owner or a responsible person, or not within the confines of the fenced area of an off-leash dog park approved by the City of Nashua and Animal Control Officer (ACO).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4805762; v29 updated 2026-02-10; through 02-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
Nashua's animal ordinance makes it unlawful for any dog to run at large. Section 93-5 defines "at large" as off the premises of the owner or keeper and not under leash or other physical restraint of the owner or a responsible person, unless the dog is inside the fenced area of an off-leash dog park approved by the City of Nashua and its Animal Control Officer. A dog found at large can be seized and impounded by the Animal Control Officer under § 93-6, and the owner is subject to the article's general penalty under § 93-14.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 93-5 lets the Animal Control Officer impound the dog under § 93-6; the owner is guilty of a violation and fined under the general penalty clause, § 93-14 of the City Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash anywhere in Nashua?
What happens if my dog is caught running at large?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashua
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle dog leash laws.