Salinas, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 7-1 of the Salinas Municipal Code applies to every dog and other animal within city limits, with cats specifically carved out. An animal is deemed to be running at large unless it is restrained by a chain, strap, or cord attached to its collar and actually held by a person capable of physical restraint, or unless it is confined inside a yard, cage, or other secure animal-appropriate enclosure such as an electrified or electronic fence. The chapter's definition of 'enclosure' requires a fence or structure that keeps young children out and is strong enough to hold a potentially dangerous or vicious dog.

Enforcement runs through the poundmaster, an office held ex officio by the Salinas chief of police under Section 7-13, who may appoint deputy poundmasters from the police department. Under Section 7-15, the poundmaster and deputies must seize and impound any dog or other animal found running at large on a public street, alley, park, or vacant lot. If the owner can be identified and the dog wears its current license tag, Section 7-16 lets the officer return the animal directly instead of impounding it. An impounded animal is held for four business days under Section 7-18 while the owner may redeem it by paying the council-set fees under Section 7-17; owners who miss that window risk the disposition procedures of Section 7-19, including adoption or humane destruction after the required notice period.