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St. Clair County, IL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Applies where
Unincorporated county
Control required
Leash or recognized method
Running-at-large penalty
$10 plus $5/day board
Public-safety fine
$25 minimum
State law
510 ILCS 5/9

Summary

In unincorporated St. Clair County a dog off its owner's property must be under control by leash or other recognized method. A dog loose on public ways or others' land is a stray and may be impounded. Belleville, O'Fallon and other cities set their own leash rules.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of St. Clair County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Such dog is not on the premises of its owner or keeper and is not under control by leash or other recognized control methods... shall be considered a 'stray' and shall be considered to have been 'found running at large contrary to the provisions of this Code.'

View official code

Full Breakdown

St. Clair County Animal Services Code 3-4-3 makes a dog a 'stray' whenever it is not on its owner's premises and not under control by leash or other recognized control methods, and lacks a current rabies tag. Such dogs 'shall be apprehended and impounded.' In residential-subdivided unincorporated areas (3-4-3(B)), letting a dog run at large is unlawful and owners must remove their dogs' waste from public places and others' property. The Code mirrors the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/9). Inside incorporated cities and villages the municipality's own leash ordinance governs, and may be stricter.

Violations & Fines

Running-at-large penalty of $10 on redemption plus board at $5/day; a separate public-safety fine of not less than $25 ($20 to the Pet Population Fund). Second impoundment requires microchipping ($15); a third requires spay/neuter within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a leash everywhere in the county?
Off your own property, yes, your dog must be under control by leash or another recognized method. Cities like Belleville and O'Fallon add their own leash ordinances.
What happens if my dog is picked up loose?
It is impounded; you must show current registration and rabies proof, pay board at $5/day, a $10 at-large fee and at least a $25 public-safety fine before redemption.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Clair County

Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All St. Clair County rules

Compare St. Clair County to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview

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