North Hempstead, NY Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length limit
- 6 feet, § 14-9A
- First-offense fine
- $500-$750
- Third-offense fine
- $1,000-$1,500
- Tether max
- 1 hour per 12-hour period
- No tethering
- 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Seizure
- unleashed dogs held at Town shelter
- Redemption window
- 5 days after seizure
Summary
North Hempstead requires every dog on public property, or on private property without the owner's consent, to be held on a chain or leash no longer than six feet under Town Code § 14-9. First-offense fines run $500 to $750, rising to $1,000-$1,500 for a third violation.
§ 14-9. Dogs to be restrained. A. It shall be unlawful for a dog to be on public property or on private property without the consent of the owner or person in possession of such private property unless the dog is effectively restrained in the immediate custody and control of its owner or possessor by a chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length. A person owning or possessing a dog which is not so restrained, with or without the knowledge, consent or fault of such person, shall be guilty of a violation of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4892187; v82 updated 2026-04-21; through 04-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
' The law presumes a dog found on someone else's private property is there without consent, and it holds the owner or possessor liable for an unleashed dog 'with or without the knowledge, consent or fault of such person,' so a dog that slips its leash still exposes its owner to a violation. , and cannot be left tied outdoors for more than 30 minutes when the temperature is below 35 degrees or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or the National Weather Service has issued a heat or wind chill advisory.
Tethers cannot use choke, pinch or prong collars, must swivel on at least one end, and must be at least 15 feet long, among other design limits added by Local Law No. 4-2021. An Animal Warden or peace officer may seize any dog found unleashed on public property or trespassing on private property under § 14-13, and it is held at the Town Animal Shelter until redeemed within five days under § 14-14 or forfeited for adoption.
Violations & Fines
Section 14-18A sets escalating fines just for unleashed dogs under § 14-9: $500 to $750 or up to 15 days in jail for a first offense, $750 to $1,000 for a second, and $1,000 to $1,500 for a third or later offense. Violating any other section of Chapter 14 carries a flat fine of up to $250 or 15 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my dog's leash be in North Hempstead?
What's the fine for letting my dog run loose?
Can I chain my dog outside in the yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Hempstead
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