West Des Moines, IA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

West Des Moines City Code section 5-3-9 makes it unlawful for any animal, including but not limited to cats, dogs, cattle, horses, swine, sheep, or fowl, or any animal defined as dangerous or vicious under the chapter, to run at large within the corporate limits of the city; the owner is held responsible and subject to penalty. Community cats are specifically exempted from this at-large prohibition. "At large" is defined in section 5-3-2 as an animal off the premises of its owner, with a licensed animal treated as not at large if it is on the owner's premises; under the control of a person competent to restrain it by leash, cord, chain, or similar restraint not more than ten feet long, or restrained in a vehicle; properly housed in a veterinary hospital, licensed kennel, pet shop, or city pound; or accompanied by and obedient "at heel" to its owner or a competent responsible person.

An animal found at large may be apprehended and impounded by the police or animal control officer under section 5-3-14, and the owner must be notified within 48 hours; unlicensed animals may be held at least 4 days and licensed ones at least 7 days before disposition, with the owner liable for impoundment, pickup, and disposal fees set by council resolution.