Schenectady, NY Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 144-7A(1) of the City Code makes it unlawful for a dog's owner or keeper to let the dog run at large on the City's streets and sidewalks unless it is properly restrained by an adequate collar and a leash no longer than eight feet, and accompanied by a responsible person at least 12 years old. The same section separately bars keeping a dog that creates a nuisance through loud barking, chasing vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians, damaging another's property, or running at large on private property without the owner's or occupant's consent (§ 144-7A(2)).

A Dog Control Officer or peace officer may seize a dog found off its owner's property without the required leash and collar, or wherever there is probable cause to believe a § 144-7 violation occurred. A seized dog can be redeemed only if the owner proves it is licensed and has current rabies vaccination and pays an impound fee of $40 per day. Upon a finding that an owner violated the leash requirement, § 144-7B lets the court, beyond the mandatory fine, order the dog destroyed immediately or order the owner to confine the dog permanently or for a set period.

Two convictions within one year for a § 144-7 violation void all of that owner's dog licenses, and to relicense any dog the owner must then carry a liability insurance policy of at least $50,000 per dog for three years, per § 144-7C.