Imperial County, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Imperial County's Animal Care and Control Program (a division of the Imperial County Public Health Department) enforces Title 6 (Animals) of the County Codified Ordinances within the unincorporated areas of the county, providing 24/7 rescue and control services across more than 4,000 square miles. Owners are responsible for keeping dogs under control rather than allowing them to roam loose, and Animal Control responds to stray, loose-dog and nuisance complaints. This site has not reproduced the exact wording or section numbers of the at-large provisions, so we do not quote a specific leash length or fine. Statewide, California Food & Agricultural Code sections 31601-31683 govern 'potentially dangerous' and 'vicious' dogs: a dog can be declared potentially dangerous if, while off the owner's property, it twice within 36 months acts aggressively enough to require defensive action, or bites a person causing minor injury. A potentially dangerous dog must be leashed and under control of a capable adult whenever it is off the owner's property. If you live in an incorporated city such as El Centro, Calexico, Brawley or Imperial, that city's own ordinance applies instead. Confirm current rules with Animal Control at (442) 265-2655 before relying on them.