Rockland County, NY Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

L. No. 7-1999), governs animals brought into land under the Rockland County Park Commission's jurisdiction. It bars bringing a dog into any part of a county park not designated for dogs, except a dog assisting a disabled individual with a major life activity, and even in an area designated for dogs it bars a dog not restrained by a leash of six feet, except a dog in a designated off-leash dog run or one assisting a disabled individual. A dog is also barred from a designated dog area's buildings, camping areas, picnic areas, bathing areas or improved walks, again absent the disability exception.

Any dog found unattended in a park may be seized and impounded, and the person owning or having custody of the dog is responsible for all damage or injury the dog causes in the park. The same section separately regulates horses: they may be used only in a park designated for horses, only on a designated bridle path, must be well broken and kept under control, and bridle paths cannot be used from a half hour after sunset until a half hour before sunrise. Because Rockland County does not zone or govern general public streets and sidewalks, this leash duty applies specifically inside county park property; a dog running loose on a town street is a matter for that town's own leash law, not county Chapter 315.