Temecula, CA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash required
- Yes, sized to the dog, held by a capable handler
- Voice/eye control alone
- Not sufficient restraint under the code
- Violation class
- Infraction under Ch. 6.04
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100
- Repeat fines
- Up to $200, then $500 within a year
Summary
Temecula defines a dog as "at large" any time it is off its owner's property and not on a leash sized to its temperament, held by someone capable of controlling it. Letting a dog roam or run at large anywhere in the city is a chapter 6.04 infraction.
"At large" means any dog which is off the premises of its owner, custodian or caretaker and which is not under physical restraint by a leash of a size and material appropriate to the size and temperament of the dog and which is held by a person capable of restraining such dog, or is not otherwise physically restrained by some other device or instrumentality, except that such device or instrumentality shall not include voice control, eye control or signal control of the dog by any person, device or instrumentality. ... For the owner or person in charge of any dog, whether licensed or unlicensed, to permit such dog to roam, stray or run at large in, or into any location within the city of Temecula.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4862229; v11 updated 2026-04-14).
Full Breakdown
010 defines "at large" as "any dog which is off the premises of its owner, custodian or caretaker and which is not under physical restraint by a leash of a size and material appropriate to the size and temperament of the dog and which is held by a person capable of restraining such dog," and specifically excludes voice, eye, or signal control as a substitute for physical restraint. 130. 260 face stricter controls: the owner must post a "BEWARE OF VICIOUS DOG" sign with two-inch letters, and the dog cannot leave the property unless muzzled, leashed, and controlled by someone at least 18 years old and physically capable of restraining it. 21.
Violations & Fines
Letting a dog run, roam, or stray at large anywhere in Temecula, on public or private property without consent, violates Section 6.04.160(H) and is an infraction under Section 6.04.280, punishable by a fine of up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within one year, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense in that year; the animal control officer may impound the dog under Section 6.04.130.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it enough to keep a dog under voice control off-leash in Temecula?
What is the fine for a dog running at large in Temecula?
Can Temecula impound a dog just for being off-leash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Temecula
California rules heatmap·Compare Temecula to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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