Vermilion Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Vermilion Parish Code § 6-1 makes it unlawful for any person, including the owner or possessor of any animal, to allow the animal to be at large in the parish, and assigns enforcement to the sheriff. Section 6-83 speaks to dogs and cats directly: no one may suffer or permit a dog or cat to roam at large on public roads or public places, or on enclosed or unenclosed land the owner does not own, unless the animal is in the immediate presence of the owner or keeper and under restraint. If a dog or cat is found at large in the parish, the owner or keeper is presumed to have violated the section.

The definition of at large sets the standard. An animal is at large when it is not physically controlled by a person holding a leash or lead, or is not at all times accompanied by a person and does not at all times immediately respond to sound, mechanical, electrical or other command of that person. Exceptions cover a dog actually working livestock, locating or retrieving wild game in season for a licensed hunter, assisting law enforcement or being trained for those tasks, and an animal physically or electronically secured on the owner's property or property the owner has permission to use, or inside a motor vehicle. An unleashed animal in an open truck bed does not qualify for the vehicle exception.

Section 6-12 defines a leash or lead as a thong, cord, rope, chain or similar tether not more than six feet long. A longer leash or a retractable lead of variable length is allowed when exercising or training an animal, as long as it does not let the animal interfere with public access to or use of public areas. Under restraint means under the physical or voice control of an owner or keeper.

After a capture, animal control officers can impound animals at large under § 6-120. Reclaiming a dog under § 6-125 costs $15.00 for the first day and $5.00 for each day of boarding, plus another $5.00 if the dog has not been vaccinated against rabies in the preceding 12 months, and the owner must show a current rabies vaccination certification. Section 6-122 sets a four-day minimum hold for unclaimed animals. A dangerous dog off its property must also be securely muzzled and on a leash under § 6-81(3), and § 6-86(b) requires anyone controlling a dog on a public street, right-of-way or public property to carry a device or material to remove feces.