Utica, NY Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash length
- 8 feet
- Code section
- Utica Sec. 2-5-36
- Tie-out setback
- 25 ft from thoroughfare
- License age
- 4 months and older
- State backing
- NY Ag & Markets Art. 7
Summary
Utica requires dogs off the owner's property to be on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Dogs may not run at large, and no dog may be tied within 25 feet of a public thoroughfare. A loose dog is presumed to be running at large.
No person owning, keeping, harboring or having the care, custody or control of any dog shall permit the dog to be at large in the city unless the dog is under leash not exceeding eight (8) feet in length
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 2-5-36 governs dogs at large: a dog off its owner's premises (or another's premises with the owner's consent) must be under leash not exceeding 8 feet. A dog found at large off the owner's property is presumptive evidence it was permitted to run loose. Owners must also clean up after their dog on any public or private property (Sec. 2-5-37). All dogs four months and older must be licensed at the City Clerk's Office. New York Agriculture and Markets Law Art. 7 backs these rules statewide, and any dog declared dangerous must be leashed by an adult when on public premises.
Violations & Fines
Running-at-large and cleanup violations are handled by Codes Enforcement / Animal Control; owners can be ticketed and fined, and loose dogs impounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in Utica?
Is a loose dog automatically a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Utica
New York rules heatmap·Compare Utica to another location·View the New York animal ordinances overview
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