Oak Lawn, IL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash length
- 5 feet on public property
- On owner's property
- Fenced yard, cage, or tether required
- First offense fine
- $50 to $5,000
- Repeat offense fine
- Up to $10,000
- Enforcing agency
- Oak Lawn Police Department
Summary
Oak Lawn dogs off their owner's property must be on a leash, tether, chain, or rope no more than five feet long and held by a person able to control them.
A dog or cat shall be deemed to be running at large when off the premises of its owner, or of the person keeping or harboring such dog or cat, if the dog is not on a leash, tether, chain, rope, or the like... A. Length And Type Of Leash: When being walked on public property, all dogs must be bound by a leash of no more than five feet (5') in length. Reel type extender leashes may not be extended for more than five feet (5') while walking a dog on public property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Code current through: Ord. 26-09-22, passed April 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Village Code § 10-3B-5 makes it unlawful for any dog or cat to run at large, defined as being off the owner's premises without a leash, tether, chain, or rope held by someone able to control it. Subsection A caps leash length at five feet on public property, including reel-type extender leashes, which cannot be extended past five feet while walking a dog. Subsection B separately requires dogs on the owner's own property to be confined by a fenced yard, cage, stake and chain, or wire dog run if there is no fence, an unsecured, roaming dog violates the section even on private land.
Violations & Fines
First offense: $50-$5,000. Second offense: $200-$7,500. Third or subsequent offense: $500-$10,000, per § 10-3B-15. Loose animals may also be impounded by the police department under § 10-3A-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a retractable leash in Oak Lawn?
Does my dog need to be leashed in my own yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oak Lawn
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