Twin Falls, ID Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

The leash rule has two parts in Chapter 4 (Dogs and Cats) of Title 6 of the Twin Falls City Code. Section 6-4-1 defines AT LARGE as any dog which is not confined within a fenced or completely enclosed area or on a chain or leash. That definition is the whole standard: a dog in a fenced yard or on a leash is not at large, and any other dog is. Section 6-4-14(G) then makes it unlawful for any dog to be found running at large, and the person or persons who own, control, possess, provide care to or are in charge of the dog are guilty of a misdemeanor. The list of responsible persons reaches a dog sitter or a relative in charge, not only the licence holder.

Subsection (G) adds two consequences. Procuring a license tag does not authorize the running at large of the dog, and a violation is declared a nuisance and a menace to the public health and safety, so the dog is taken up and impounded in addition to the criminal punishment. Under Section 6-4-8 the animal control officer and police department must see that a licensed or unlicensed dog found running at large is taken up and impounded in the municipal animal shelter, and may do so without filing a complaint. Section 6-4-15 allows the court, on a conviction for dog at large, to order surrender of the dog or require a bond or certificate of insurance of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00).

A parallel rule covers every animal other than domestic cats. Section 6-3-13 makes a person guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) after being warned in writing by Code Enforcement. In city parks, Section 8-3-7(C) requires a dog to be on a leash except within a temporary or permanent dog park the city authorizes, and requires owners to pick up and dispose of pet waste. Dog licences are required at six (6) months of age under Section 6-4-2.