Newark, OH Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 618.01 is the at-large and leash ordinance of the City of Newark, Ohio, enacted by the Newark City Council in Licking County. Division (a) bars the owner, keeper or harborer of any animal from letting it run at large on a public way or ground, on unenclosed land, or on any premises other than the owner's own. Division (b) is the leash rule: a dog cannot be at large beyond its owner's premises, or enter any property that is not the owner's without the owner's invitation, unless it is securely restrained by a leash at all times and under the reasonable control of some person. Division (c) turns to the home yard and requires the dog to be physically confined or restrained on the premises by a leash, tether, adequate fence, supervision or secure enclosure, except when the owner is with it. Section 618.28 defines a leash as a rope, leather strap, chain or other tether of sufficient strength to bind an animal to its owner, and defines at large as off the premises and not under the control of the owner or an immediate family member by leash, chain or otherwise.

Division (e) makes an animal found running at large prima facie evidence of the violation. Under division (f), an animal at large in violation of division (a) is seized and impounded at the owner's cost, but a dog that is off the premises yet under the reasonable control of its owner is not seized. Division (g) exempts police or service animals in training or in active service and dogs engaged in a public exhibition or event. Section 618.01.1 separately lets the owner of a dog run it without a leash inside a designated City dog park, while still requiring reasonable control at all times. Section 618.13(d) sets a $20.00 fee for seizing and delivering a dog to the Animal Shelter, and impounded animals go to the Licking County Animal Shelter. A dog more than three months old must be registered under section 618.08 and must wear a valid tag under section 618.095.