Stark County, OH Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing statute
- ORC 955.22(C)
- Enforcement
- Stark County Dog Warden
- Confinement
- Leash, fence, or reasonable control
- First offense
- Minor misdemeanor typically
- Dangerous-dog trigger
- Third at-large violation
Summary
Ohio law requires every dog to be physically confined or restrained on the owner's premises, or kept under a person's reasonable control when off it. The Stark County Dog Warden enforces this countywide; Canton adds its own leash rules.
No owner, keeper, or harborer of any dog shall fail at any time to do either of the following: (1) Keep the dog physically confined or restrained upon the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer by a leash, tether, adequate fence, supervision, or secure enclosure to prevent escape; (2) Keep the dog under the reasonable control of some person.
Full Breakdown
There is no separate countywide leash ordinance, but ORC 955.22(C) applies statewide and is enforced by the Stark County Dog Warden. It bars letting a dog run at large: the dog must be confined by leash, tether, adequate fence, supervision, or a secure enclosure on the owner's property, or otherwise kept under a person's reasonable control. Cities such as Canton restate this in their codified ordinances. A third violation can elevate a dog to 'dangerous dog' status under ORC 955.11, triggering the stricter six-foot chain-leash and enclosure rules of ORC 955.22(D).
Violations & Fines
Running-at-large is generally a minor misdemeanor for a first offense, rising to a fourth-degree misdemeanor for repeat offenses; the Dog Warden may impound the dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Stark County have its own leash ordinance?
Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stark County
Compare Stark County to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview
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