Lake County, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length limit
- 6 feet maximum
- Where required
- Off owner's own premises
- Enforcing agency
- Animal Control Director
- Infraction fine
- Up to $100
- Misdemeanor penalty
- Up to $500 or 6 months jail
- Exceptions
- Hunting, herding, police, field trials, training
Summary
Lake County requires dog owners in the unincorporated area to keep their dog on their own premises unless it is restrained by a leash or chain no longer than six feet under a competent handler's control. County Code Section 4-5 defines an animal as "at large" when it is off the owner's property without such restraint, direct control, or a secure enclosure.
(9) In addition to other provisions contained herein, is at large or pastured or kept on any street or other public place or private property against the wishes of the owner or occupant, or in any manner or place to the injury of the owner or occupant of any other property. As used in this section, "at large" means an animal not under restraint by leash, not in an enclosed area, or not under the direct control of the owner. ... 5.4 Every person owning or having charge, care, custody, or control of such dog shall keep it exclusively upon his own premises; provided, however, that such dog may be off such premises if it be under the control of a competent person and restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length.
Full Breakdown
4 requires every person owning, caring for, or controlling a dog to keep it exclusively on the owner's own premises. 2(c)(9) separately makes it unlawful to let any animal run at large "pastured or kept on any street or other public place or private property against the wishes of the owner or occupant," and defines "at large" as an animal not under restraint by leash, not in an enclosed area, or not under the direct control of the owner. A hunting dog is presumed under its owner's direct control while legally hunting on the owner's property, and a stock dog is presumed controlled while herding.
4 lists five narrow exceptions to the leash requirement: lawful hunting, livestock herding and control on public lands, use by peace officers on duty, organized field trials, and tracking, obedience training, or other recognized work activities under the handler's direct control, provided the dog does not endanger public safety, trespass, or create a nuisance. 2(c)(4). 1, with impoundment and redemption governed by Section 4-3.
Violations & Fines
A leash-law violation is punishable under Section 4-10 as an infraction with a fine up to $100, or as a misdemeanor carrying a fine up to $500, imprisonment in the County Jail for up to six months, or both. Impounded dogs may be redeemed from the Animal Control Director on payment of impound fees; unredeemed dogs are subject to disposition under Section 4-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash on my own property in unincorporated Lake County?
What counts as an illegal "at large" dog under county law?
Are hunting and herding dogs exempt from the leash rule?
What happens if Animal Control impounds my at-large dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
California rules heatmap·Compare Lake County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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