Sioux Falls, SD Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash max length
- 6 feet
- Reckless owner trigger
- 3rd violation in 12 months
- Base penalty
- Up to $500 fine
- Off-leash exception
- Designated dog parks only
Summary
Sioux Falls bans letting a dog run at large off its owner's property unless it's on a leash under someone's control, with tougher fines for repeat offenders.
Except on property designated by the city as an animal off-leash area, it shall be unlawful for any person to have any animal which is owned, kept, harbored, or allowed to be habitually in or upon the premises occupied by him or her or under his or her control to be at large and to go in or upon the private premises of others or upon any public property.
(b) Any person convicted of subsection (a) more than two times in a 12- month period shall be considered a reckless owner. Any fine for a reckless owner shall, at a minimum, be double the usual fine for animal running at large. For purposes of this section, each prior conviction must occur on a separate date than the present charge and any other prior conviction.
(c) Community cats shall not be impounded for solely being at large. (1992 Code, § 7-2) (Ord. 21-75, passed 4-7-1975; Ord. 40-03, passed 5-12-2003; Ord. 90-17, passed 9-19-2017; Ord. 106, passed 12-17-2024) Penalty, see § 10.999 Statutory reference: Power to regulate or prohibit the running at large of animals, see SDCL 9- 29-12
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-135: Current through local ordinance 54-26, passed 7-14-2026).
Full Breakdown
City ordinance § 90.002 makes it unlawful to let an animal you own, keep, or control run at large onto private property of others or public property, except in a designated off-leash area. Under § 90.001, AT LARGE means off the owner's premises and not controlled on a LEASH: defined as a cord, thong, or chain no more than six feet long. A third violation within 12 months makes the owner a 'reckless owner,' doubling the minimum fine. Community cats are exempt from impoundment for merely being at large.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in county jail under the general penalty (§ 10.999); reckless-owner fine doubles on a 3rd offense within 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard?
What counts as a legal leash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sioux Falls
Compare Sioux Falls to another location·View the South Dakota animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.