Kings County, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Kings County regulates dogs at large through Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl) of the County Code, which applies to the unincorporated area of the county. Under the animals-at-large provision (Sec. 4-67, added by Ord. No. 672, 6-30-15), it is unlawful for any person owning or having possession of any animal to permit it to be at large without reasonable control, or to be pastured or kept on any street or other public place, or on any private property against the wishes of the owner or occupant. In practice this means a dog off the owner's property must be under reasonable control, and dogs may not roam onto neighbors' land without permission. Kings County Animal Services enforces these animal-control provisions in the unincorporated areas; the cities of Hanford, Lemoore, Corcoran and Avenal have their own municipal codes that govern within city limits. The County Code does not publish a specific leash length. Dogs found at large may be impounded, and owners can face infraction citations. Because this is a rural, agricultural county, owners should also confine dogs to prevent harassment of livestock. For exact requirements, consult Chapter 4 of the Kings County Code or contact Animal Services directly.