St. Louis County Revised Ordinances (SLCRO) Section 611.200 prohibits dogs, cats, and other animals from being 'at large' in unincorporated St. Louis County. If not in a cage or building, an animal must be on a leash, in a car, or on the owner's property. In St. Louis County Parks, leashes may not exceed 6 feet. Enforcement is by St. Louis County Animal Care & Control (Public Health).
SLCRO 611.200 (Chapter 611, Title VI Public Health and Welfare) is titled 'Dogs, Cats and Other Animals at Large—Prohibited.' The ordinance prohibits owners from allowing dogs, cats, or other animals to run at large rather than imposing a strict leash mandate; if the animal is not confined in a cage or building, it must be on a leash, in a vehicle, or on the owner's property. Within St. Louis County Parks, separate park regulations require domestic animals (other than horses) to be on a leash, cord, or rope not exceeding six (6) feet in length and under the actual control of a person holding the leash. Animal Care & Control officers enforce leash, vaccination, and registration requirements. Vaccination against rabies and county registration are required for dogs and cats four months and older. Within incorporated cities (Florissant, Kirkwood, Ferguson, etc.), the city's own animal control code applies. Authority: RSMo Ch. 273 (dogs) and county police powers under RSMo Ch. 64.
Violations of SLCRO 611.200 are prosecuted as ordinance violations in St. Louis County Municipal Court, with fines plus impoundment fees and reclamation costs at the county shelter. Dogs that bite are subject to 10-day rabies observation. Vicious dog declarations carry additional confinement, signage, and insurance requirements.
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