Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Butler County

Butler County, OH Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
ORC 955.22(C)
Enforcement
Butler County Dog Warden
Standard
Strict liability offense
Confinement
Leash, fence, or reasonable control
Warden contact
513-887-PAWS (7297)

Summary

Ohio law (enforced by the Butler County Dog Warden) bars dogs from running at large. Owners must keep a dog confined on their premises by a leash, tether, fence, supervision, or secure enclosure, or under a person's reasonable control.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Butler County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Except when a dog is lawfully engaged in hunting and accompanied by the owner, keeper, harborer, or handler of the dog, no owner, keeper, or harborer of any dog shall fail at any time to do either of the following: (1) Keep the dog physically confined or restrained upon the premises of the owner, keeper, or harborer by a leash, tether, adequate fence, supervision, or secure enclosure to prevent escape; (2) Keep the dog under the reasonable control of some person.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under ORC 955.22(C), except when lawfully hunting, an owner must at all times either keep the dog physically confined on their premises (leash, tether, adequate fence, supervision, or secure enclosure) or keep it under the reasonable control of some person. The Butler County Dog Warden, part of the Butler County Sheriff's Office, patrols and impounds dogs found running at large. Individual cities and townships (Hamilton, Middletown, Fairfield, West Chester Twp) may add stricter local leash rules on top of the state minimum, so check your municipality.

Violations & Fines

Running-at-large is a strict-liability minor misdemeanor: roughly $25-$100 fine for a first offense, higher fines and possible jail for repeat or dangerous-dog violations under ORC 955.99.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my dog have to be on a leash in my own yard?
No. On your own premises a leash is one option; an adequate fence, tether, supervision, or secure enclosure also satisfies ORC 955.22(C). Off your property the dog must be under a person's reasonable control.
Who enforces leash laws in Butler County?
The Butler County Dog Warden (a Sheriff's Office deputy) responds to running-at-large complaints and impounds loose dogs. Cities and townships may also enforce their own local ordinances.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Butler County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Butler County rules

Compare Butler County to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Dog Leash Laws in Butler County, OH changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.