Richmond requires dogs to be restrained, leashed, or under direct control when off the owner's property under Chapter 6 of the city code, with animal control enforcement and impoundment authority.
Richmond's downtown grid around Morton Street and Travis Avenue, plus residential streets in Bellaire and Long Meadow Farms-adjacent neighborhoods, see steady foot traffic, joggers, and dog walkers. Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances prohibits dogs from running at large, generally meaning a dog is off the owner's property without a leash or not under the immediate physical control of a competent person. Dogs picked up by animal control are impounded and subject to redemption fees, and unredeemed animals may be transferred or euthanized after the holding period. Owners are also responsible under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 for any injuries caused by their dog, and serious bite incidents trigger dangerous-dog procedures.
Animal control may impound the dog and issue a citation; owners pay impound, boarding, and rabies-check fees plus municipal court fines for repeat at-large offenses.
See how other cities in Fort Bend County handle dog leash laws.
See how Richmond's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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