West Haven, CT Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 89-4 of the West Haven Code, amended 9-28-2020, bars anyone owning or having custody of a dog from letting it roam at large to the injury or annoyance of others. The section defines annoyance to include fouling of the City's sidewalks, streets, footpaths or beaches, and it puts cleanup on the owner. A dog also cannot be at large on the streets, other public ways and playgrounds of the City unless the owner controls it by leash, cord or chain not extended beyond six feet in length. The section labels the conduct a nuisance and a danger to the public health and safety.

Section 89-3 defines at large as off the premises of the owner and not under the control of the owner, a member of the immediate family or an individual the owner authorizes, by leash, cord or chain of sufficient strength to maintain a dog. Owner covers any person, firm, association or corporation owning, keeping or harboring a dog.

A dog found roaming is impounded. Under § 89-5 it is immediately taken to the animal shelter, where the Dog Warden records breed, color, sex and license status, and separates licensed from unlicensed dogs where possible. Section 89-6 requires notice to the owner within 24 hours, or a lost-and-found newspaper notice if the owner is unknown. Section 89-7 has the Dog Warden hold the dog for seven days from notice before release under Section 22-333 of the Connecticut General Statutes. A dog that appears to have rabies or a dangerous infectious disease is destroyed rather than released.

Section 89-10, added 9-28-2020, exempts designated and posted dog parks in the City of West Haven, where owners can remove restraints but take on all liability for the dog's actions.