Sangamon County, IL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- Unincorporated Sangamon County
- First-offense fine
- $25 public safety fine
- Second offense
- Mandatory spay/neuter in 30 days
- Exempt
- Working, hunting, supervised dog-park dogs
Summary
Sangamon County impounds any dog or cat found running at large in the unincorporated county, with redemption requiring fees, a $25 public-safety fine, and proof of rabies registration.
Any dog or cat found to be running at large contrary to provisions of this chapter may be apprehended and impounded at the animal control facility. ... Paying a $25 public safety fine, $20 of which shall be deposited into the county pet population control fund and $5 of which shall be deposited into the county animal control fund; the $25 fine shall be waived if it is the dog's or cat's first impoundment and the owner, agent, or caretaker has the animal spayed or neutered within 14 days.
Full Breakdown
Animal control may apprehend and impound any dog or cat found running at large outside the owner's control in unincorporated Sangamon County. To redeem an impounded animal, the owner must show current rabies inoculation, pay registration and impoundment fees, and pay a $25 public safety fine: waived on a first impoundment if the animal is spayed or neutered within 14 days. A dog picked up running at large a second time must be spayed or neutered within 30 days of redemption or be re-impounded. Working law-enforcement, hunting, and supervised dog-park dogs are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Impoundment at the animal control facility; redemption requires fees plus a $25 public safety fine, with mandatory spay/neuter required after a second at-large offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a leash-length requirement?
Does this apply inside Springfield city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sangamon County
Compare Sangamon County to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.