Prince William County Code Sec. 4-23 makes it unlawful to allow a dog to run at large. A dog is 'at large' when off its owner's property and not attached to a person by a leash, cord, or chain.
Under PWC Code Sec. 4-23 (Article III, Dogs Generally), it is unlawful for a dog owner or custodian to allow their dog to run at large within the county. 'At large' means the dog is off the property of its owner/custodian and not under control by leash, cord, or chain. Limited exceptions exist for supervised training classes, shows, sanctioned field trials, and lawful hunting during open season. Dogs must also be currently licensed (Sec. 4-40) and rabies-vaccinated if over four months old (Sec. 4-62). Sec. 4-4 separately bars animals from trespassing on another's property after a request to stop, and Sec. 4-11 prohibits dogs from defecating on private or public property. Enforcement is by Prince William County Animal Services.
Running at large is a Class 4 misdemeanor-level violation enforced by Animal Services; dogs may be impounded, with owners owing impound and boarding fees. Sec. 4-23 imposes a civil penalty of $100.00 per dog for any dog found running at
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See how Prince William County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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