Troy, NY Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

The Troy City Council adopted the leash rule in Article II of Chapter 124, the Dog Control Ordinance (§ 124-3), for the City of Troy in Rensselaer County, New York. Section 124-6 was amended on 8-6-2009 by Ord. No. 4, the same ordinance that created the dog parks. It requires all dogs in the City to be restrained by a leash while off the owner's premises, whether or not they are tagged or licensed. A license is not a substitute for a leash.

The code defines the terms. A dog is "at large" if it is elsewhere than on the premises of the owner while not in the control of the owner or the owner's agent and without the knowledge, consent or approval of the owner of such lands. "Leashed" means the dog is equipped with a collar or harness to which a leash is attached, both of sufficient strength to restrain the dog, and the leash is held by a person able to control and restrain the dog with it. An owner includes anyone who owns, keeps, harbors or has the care, custody or control of a dog, and a minor's dog is deemed to be in the custody and control of the minor's parents or other head of the household.

Two exceptions are printed. Dogs can be unleashed off the owner's premises when on the premises of another person with that person's consent, and the section does not apply to a dog inside a dog park designated by § 124-22. Section 124-22 designates Beman Park, Kinloch Park and Prospect Park. The purpose clause in § 124-5 states that the Code currently prohibits dogs in City parks, yet many residents let dogs run unleashed there, which the Council called unsafe for dogs and humans alike. Under § 124-23 the Animal Control Officer and the Troy City Police Department enforce the dog park rules, and a "Dog Park Rules" sign must be placed near each entrance.