Nashville, TN Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Metro Code § 8.04.120
- First-offense fine
- $50 per animal
- Enforcement
- Animal care & control, police
- Key exemptions
- Hunting, tracking, guard dogs, cats
- Repeat violations
- Fence order, then impoundment
Summary
Metro Nashville bars letting any dog or other animal run at large; owners must keep it on their own property or physically restrain it off-premises, with fines starting at $50 per animal.
No person owning or having possession, charge, care, custody, or control of any animal shall cause, permit, or allow the animal to stray or in any manner to run at large.C.Any person owning or having possession, charge, care, custody, or control of any animal which destroys or desecrates public or private property, chases persons, livestock, cars, or other vehicles, or otherwise causes a disturbance while running at large on public or private property shall be deemed to have committed a violation of this chapter.D.Every person owning or having possession, charge, care, custody, or control of any animal shall keep such animal exclusively upon the person's own premises; provided, however, that such animal may be off such premises only if it is restrained by the owner or such animal is accompanied by the owner and the owner has physical control of the animal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metropolitan Code § 8.04.120 requires every owner to keep an animal exclusively on their own premises unless it is restrained by the owner or accompanied with the owner in physical control: covering leashes, tethers, and hand control alike. Animal care and control or police may seize animals found at large. Hunting dogs, tracking or guard dogs, and cats are exempted. Fines escalate with repeat violations, up to a fence order and possible impoundment on a fifth offense.
Violations & Fines
First violation: $50 per animal (waivable if spayed/neutered). Fines repeat at $50 through the fourth violation, which also triggers a court-ordered secure fence; a fifth violation adds seizure and impoundment by the health department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nashville require dogs to be on a leash?
What happens if my dog is caught running at large in Nashville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
Compare Nashville to another location·View the Tennessee animal ordinances overview
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