Story County, IA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- §45.03(1): duty to control, no running at large
- Enforcing agency
- Story County Animal Control Department
- Impound hold
- 7 days before ownership transfers to county
- Repeat impound fee
- Doubled within same calendar year
- Charge type
- Civil infraction or simple misdemeanor
- Leash standard
- §45.12(8): well-fitting collar/harness required
Summary
Unincorporated Story County requires every animal owner to keep the animal "under control at all times" and makes it unlawful for a dog to run at large, per Code of Ordinances §45.03(1). Story County Animal Control impounds loose dogs, holds them seven days for the owner to reclaim, and can charge the owner criminally or through a civil infraction.
It is the duty of the animal owner to keep his or her animal under control at all times. It is unlawful for an animal to run at large. It is unlawful for an owner to allow his or her animal to cause a disturbance or nuisance. Violations of this section may be charged as a civil infraction or criminal violation.
Full Breakdown
03(1) of the Story County Code of Ordinances places an affirmative duty on every animal owner in the unincorporated county to keep the animal under control at all times, and separately declares it unlawful for an animal to run at large; the code allows either a civil infraction or a criminal simple misdemeanor charge for a violation. 12(8) requires that any leash, rope, or chain used to restrain an animal attach by a well-fitting collar or harness in a manner that prevents injury or entanglement, and the leash cannot cut the animal off from shelter, food, or water. 04(5)); after that period the dog becomes the property of Story County. 04(3)). 04(4)). 04(6)).
Violations & Fines
A loose dog can be impounded on the spot, with the owner owing impound and board fees plus a schedule citation fee set by Board resolution; both fees double if the same animal is impounded twice in one year. A criminal charge instead carries the county's standard penalty, $65 to $625 with up to 30 days jail (§3.01), and each day the animal remains uncontrolled is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs run loose in unincorporated Story County?
How long does Story County hold an impounded dog?
Is there a required leash length in Story County?
What if my dog keeps getting loose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Story County
Compare Story County to another location·View the Iowa animal ordinances overview
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