Springfield, IL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Restraint duty
- At all times (§ 91.15(a))
- First-violation fine
- $75
- Repeat-violation fine
- $150 each
- Liability standard
- Strict liability, no intent needed
- Exempt dogs
- Law enforcement and rescue dogs
Summary
Springfield requires every dog to be under restraint at all times, meaning leashed, confined to a fenced yard, or tethered so it cannot reach the property line. It is a strict-liability offense: intent doesn't matter, and the fine climbs on repeat violations.
§ 91.15. - Restraint of dogs and other animals. (a)The owner or keeper of a dog or other animal shall keep the dog or other animal under restraint as defined in this chapter, at all times.(b)Any person convicted of violating this section shall be fined $75 for first violation and $150 for each violation thereafter.(c)Any dog used for law enforcement or rescue purposes shall be exempt from this section.(d)The provisions of this section shall be a positive duty of the owner or keeper and the offense described herein shall be a strict liability offense.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 82).
Full Breakdown
15(a) makes it the duty of every dog owner or keeper to keep the dog under restraint at all times, as restraint is defined in chapter 91. 01 defines restraint to mean the dog is attached to a leash held by a responsible person, attached to a fixture so it cannot reach beyond the owner's property line or molest mail carriers, delivery workers, or visitors using the property's public entrance, or enclosed in a fenced yard. 15 expressly makes this a positive duty and a strict liability offense, meaning the city does not have to prove the owner intended to let the dog run loose, only that it was not under restraint. 15(c). 29, enter private property (though not a dwelling without a warrant or consent) to do so.
Violations & Fines
Section 91.15(b) sets the fine at $75 for a first violation and $150 for each violation after that. Because the offense is strict liability under § 91.15(d), a dog owner cannot avoid the fine by arguing the dog slipped its leash accidentally or that a gate was left open by someone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a dog being 'under restraint' in Springfield?
What's the fine for an unleashed dog in Springfield?
Can I contest a leash-law ticket by saying my dog escaped accidentally?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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