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St. George, UT Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

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

Key Facts

Rule
No dog running at large, ever
Leash defined as
Leash, cord, chain, or vehicle confinement
Liability standard
Strict liability, ignorance no defense
Cats exempted
Rule does not cover domestic cats
Enforcement
City animal control division

Summary

St. George bans letting any dog run at large citywide, and the city code defines a leashed dog as one on a leash, cord, or chain, or confined in a vehicle whenever off the owner's property.

AT LARGE: Any domesticated animal off the premises of the owner or custodian of the animal, and not under immediate control of the owner or custodian. In the case of a dog, immediate control shall mean on a leash, cord, chain or confined within a vehicle. ... It shall be unlawful for the owner or custodian of any animal, other than domestic cats, to allow such animals at any time to run at large.

Source: St. George City Code — AnimalsView official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-062, passed August 6, 2026).

Full Breakdown

City code makes it unlawful for an owner or custodian to let any animal besides a domestic cat run at large at any time. "At large" is defined to mean off the owner's premises and not under immediate control, and for a dog that control specifically means a leash, cord, or chain, or confinement inside a vehicle. Liability is strict: the owner is on the hook even if they took precautions to prevent the escape or did not know the dog was loose. Animal control can impound a dog found at large.

Violations & Fines

Infraction under Code § 5-2-12; each day of violation is a separate offense; the dog can be impounded, and three or more violations in 12 months can trigger a one-year license revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does St. George require dogs to be on a leash?
Yes. The code defines "immediate control" for a dog as being on a leash, cord, or chain, or confined in a vehicle whenever it is off the owner's property.
Can I be cited if my dog escapes accidentally?
Yes. Liability for a dog running at large is strict: the code applies even if you took precautions or didn't know the dog got loose.
Are cats subject to St. George's at-large law?
No. The running-at-large prohibition in § 5-2-7(B) expressly exempts domestic cats.

Sources & Official References

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All St. George rules

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