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

Connecticut's primary dog-control statute is Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 22-364, which makes it unlawful for any owner or keeper to allow a dog to roam at large on the land of another, or in a public area, unless on the owner's land or accompanied by a person and under that person's reasonable control. Sec. 22-364(a) specifically requires dogs to be controlled by leash or otherwise restrained when off the owner's premises. Sec. 22-363 prohibits a dog from being a nuisance by barking or otherwise disturbing the peace. Sec. 22-358 governs dogs that injure persons or chase livestock and authorizes municipal animal control officers and state animal control officers to take custody of such animals. Every Connecticut municipality must employ at least one municipal animal control officer under Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 22-331. Dogs over six months old must be licensed annually with the town clerk under Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 22-338, with proof of current rabies vaccination required under Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 22-339a. Enforcement in New Haven County is town-by-town: New Haven Code Sec. 7 prohibits dogs at large and requires leash restraint on city streets and parks; Waterbury Code Chapter 6 requires leash control and authorizes impoundment; Meriden, Milford, and Hamden each have parallel ordinances. Dogs running at large can be impounded; owners must pay impoundment, board, and licensing fees to redeem the dog. A dangerous-dog determination under Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 22-358 can result in restrictions or euthanasia.