Reading, PA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 141-209(B)
- Where leash required
- Streets, sidewalks, parks, public spaces
- Alternative to leash
- At heel and securely muzzled
- First-offense fine
- $300 to $1,000 plus costs
- Repeat-offense fine
- $1,000 flat, plus costs
Summary
Reading requires every dog in a street, sidewalk, park, or other public space to be leashed or chained, or heeled and muzzled; owners face fines up to $1,000 per violation.
Any dog, while on a street, sidewalk, public way or in any park, public square, or other public space, or upon any private property without the consent of the owner, shall be secured by a leash or chain of sufficient tensile strength to restrain the particular dog, or shall be at heel and securely muzzled.
C. No owner or custodian of any animal shall fail to exercise proper care and control of such animal to prevent the same from becoming a public nuisance.
D. Every female dog in heat shall be confined to the residence of the owner or keeper in such a manner that such female dog cannot come into contact with another animal except for planned breeding.
E. Tethering a dog outdoors shall be prohibited as per §141-207 Code Red or Code Blue above. [Amended 3-27-2017 by Ord. No. 25-2017]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Reading's animal control ordinance, City Code § 141-209, requires that any dog on a street, sidewalk, public way, in a park or public square, or on private property without the owner's consent be secured by a leash or chain strong enough to restrain the dog, or be at heel and securely muzzled. Owners and custodians of any animal must also exercise proper care and control to prevent it from becoming a public nuisance. The Animal Control Officer and Reading Police enforce the rule, and violators face a fine of $300 to $1,000 plus costs under § 141-225, doubling to $1,000 for repeat offenses.
Violations & Fines
Violating the leash/restraint rule is punishable by a $300 to $1,000 fine plus costs per offense, rising to $1,000 flat for each subsequent violation, under § 141-225.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in a Reading park?
What if my dog is on someone else's private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
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