Temecula requires dogs to be leashed (max 6 feet) in all public places except designated off-leash areas. The city operates dog parks at Redhawk Dog Park and Michael 'Mike' Naggar Community Park where off-leash play is permitted within fenced areas. Owners must clean up after their dogs and carry waste bags under Municipal Code 6.04.
Under Temecula Municipal Code Chapter 6.04 (Animal Control) and Riverside County Ordinance 630, dogs in public places must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long and under the control of a person able to restrain them. This applies to all city sidewalks, parks, trails, and public spaces unless within a designated off-leash dog area. Temecula has dedicated off-leash dog parks including Redhawk Dog Park (Redhawk Community Park) and the Mike Naggar Community Park dog area, which feature separate small-dog and large-dog enclosures, water fountains, and waste-bag stations. Off-leash dogs in non-designated areas are subject to citation, and dogs running at large can be impounded by Riverside County Animal Services. Owners must also comply with 'pooper-scooper' provisions: failing to immediately remove and dispose of dog waste in public is a code violation. Many city trails (such as Murrieta Creek Trail, Santa Gertrudis Creek Trail, and Lake Skinner trails) require leashes. Dogs are typically prohibited from playgrounds and certain sports field areas. Service animals are exempt from leash and prohibition rules under the ADA. Repeat off-leash violations may result in escalating fines.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Temecula code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle dog leash laws.
See how Temecula's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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