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

The Town of Southampton's leash law lives in Chapter 150, Dogs and Other Animals. Section 150-4 defines AT LARGE in two parts. On streets and sidewalks accessible to the public, including Trustee roads and private roads, every animal must be leashed; any animal off leash there is automatically at large, with the sole exception of a police work dog on duty. In all other areas outside the incorporated villages, an animal is at large if it is unleashed and either on property open to the public or on private property the owner does not own or lease, unless it is under the immediate supervision and control of the owner or other responsible person, is a police dog working, or is actively hunting, training to hunt, or being shown under permission on the land.

Section 150-5(A) then makes it unlawful for any owner to permit a dog or domestic animal to be at large anywhere in the Town. Enforcement under § 150-14 falls to park rangers, bay constables, code enforcement officers, the Animal Control Officer, peace officers and Town police, any of whom may issue an appearance ticket for a violation observed in their presence. A dog found at large may be seized under § 150-12, held for the redemption period set by state Agriculture and Markets Law § 117, and released only on proof of licensing and payment of impoundment fees; an unredeemed dog can be put up for adoption or euthanized under §§ 117-118.

Penalties run through § 150-15: up to $250 for a first conviction, $250 to $500 for a second, and $500 to $1,000 for a third or later conviction, with community service up to 24 hours available in lieu of a fine and a mandatory $100 animal welfare surcharge on every conviction. Each day the violation continues is a separate offense.