Scranton's Code of Ordinances Chapter 169 (Animals) prohibits dogs from running at large in the City, requires that any leash or chain not exceed six feet in length, and authorizes Scranton Police and contracted animal-control authorities to seize dogs running at large. As of January 1, 2023 the City of Scranton no longer issues a separate City dog license — owners license through the Lackawanna County Treasurer under the Pennsylvania Dog Law at 3 P.S. Section 459-201, which requires every dog three months or older to be licensed annually.
Scranton's local leash rule sits in Chapter 169 of the Code of Ordinances at https://ecode360.com/11604508, which prohibits dogs from running at large on public streets or on the property of someone other than the owner, and specifies that any leash or chain used to control a dog shall not exceed six feet in length and must prevent the animal from terrorizing or attacking persons using sidewalks. Tethering of unattended dogs is also governed by the Pennsylvania state floor under Libre's Law amendments at 18 Pa.C.S. Section 5533, which sets limits on tether duration, anchor type, collar standards, and weather conditions — Scranton applies the state floor and can stack stricter local nuisance citations where conditions worsen. The Pennsylvania Dog Law at 3 P.S. Section 459-101 et seq. (https://www.animallaw.info/statute/pa-dog-law-chapter-8-dogs-consolidated-dog-laws) requires every dog three months or older to be licensed annually by January 1 through the county treasurer; in Scranton that is the Lackawanna County Treasurer (https://www.lackawannacounty.org/government/elected_officials/treasurer/dog_license.php). As of January 1, 2023 the City of Scranton no longer requires a separate city-issued dog license — county or state licensing is the operative requirement. Following the statutory fee update under Act 18 of 2023 and the December 2025 indexed adjustment, current PA annual license fees are approximately $8.70 spayed/neutered and $10.70 intact, with lifetime options around $51.70 for microchipped or tattooed dogs and discounts for seniors and persons with disabilities. Scranton contracts with Griffin Pond Animal Shelter (Humane Society of Lackawanna County, https://www.griffinpondanimalshelter.com/) in South Abington Township for sheltering of stray and impounded dogs; non-emergency loose-dog complaints go through Scranton Police at the non-emergency line.
Off-leash and at-large violations under Chapter 169 are summary offenses enforced by Scranton Police. The historic Chapter 169 penalty is a fine of not more than $100 or default imprisonment up to 24 hours, with impoundment, sheltering, and reclaim fees stacked on top if the dog is picked up. Failing to license a dog under 3 P.S. Section 459-201 is a separate state offense with fines up to $300 per dog enforced by Pennsylvania Dog Wardens. Repeat off-leash incidents that result in bites can trigger dangerous-dog proceedings under 3 P.S. Section 459-502-A heard in the Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County.
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