Stratford, CT Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Article III of Chapter 83 of the Stratford Code, adopted 9-28-1992 and amended in its entirety on 2-14-2011 by Ord. No. 11-02, is the Town's leash ordinance. Section 83-15 applies to the owner or keeper of any dog, licensed or unlicensed. The dog cannot roam at large upon the land of another unless it is under the control, by leash or similar restraint, of the owner, the keeper or the agent of either. The unauthorized presence of a dog on the land of anyone other than its owner or keeper, on any portion of a public highway, street or sidewalk, or on any other Town property without that control is prima facie evidence of a violation. Hunting dogs get one printed carve-out: the section does not limit their legal use during the open hunting or training season.

Penalties climb in steps: $25 for a first offense, $50 for a second, and a misdemeanor for any later offense, in violation of C.G.S. § 22-363 (Nuisance), with a court appearance required.

Dog waste sits in the same section. Under Subsection A, if any domesticated animal defecates upon any property, Town-owned or private, the owner, keeper or person then walking or otherwise in charge of the animal has to immediately remove all feces, and anyone accompanying the animal counts as a keeper. Under Subsection B, each violation carries a $50 fine.

Town recreation land adds a second layer under § 152-17. No person can bring an animal, including a dog, onto a beach or beach parking area except when beach recreation is out of season as established by the Department of Recreation, and then only under the control of a leash. In nonrestricted recreational areas, dogs and similar pets are permitted only on leashes and under the control of their owners, and no leash can exceed seven feet in length. The Dog Warden works under the jurisdiction of the Police Department (§ 83-2) and is responsible for the enforcement of all laws relating to dogs (§ 83-8).