Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 8.06 prohibits dogs from being at large on any public street or place; dogs must be restrained by a leash no longer than six feet, with exceptions for service dogs, police dogs, and posted off-leash areas.
Under SMC Chapter 8.06 (Prohibited Conduct), no person owning or having charge of a dog may allow it to be in or upon any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, park, or other public place unless the dog is restrained and under control by a leash or chain not exceeding six (6) feet in length. SMC 8.02.040 defines 'at large' or 'run at large' as off-leash or otherwise free from restraint or confinement off the premises of the owner or custodian. SMC 8.06.075 governs dogs in designated off-leash areas, which are the only places within the city where a dog may lawfully be off-leash. Exceptions to the leash requirement include guide and service dogs assisting people with disabilities, dogs participating in field/obedience trials or animal exhibitions, dogs lawfully hunting or working livestock, and police dogs in the performance of their duties. Enforcement is handled by Sonoma County Animal Services under a contract with the City of Sonoma. Any dog found at large in violation may be impounded.
Dogs found at large may be impounded by Sonoma County Animal Services with redemption fees applied. Leash-law infractions carry administrative citations starting around $100 for a first offense, escalating to $200 and $500 for repeat offenses within a 12-month period, with up to six months in jail possible for a fourth offense when combined with other violations. Owners are also liable for impound, boarding, and veterinary costs incurred while the dog is held.
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