Wichita, KS Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Any owner, keeper or harborer of any animal, other than cats, found running at large within the corporate limits of the city shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. Knowledge or intention on the part of the owner, keeper or harborer shall not be elements of this offense. An Animal Services Officer may seize, impound and cause to be destroyed any such animal, including those animals not within the definitions of the Kansas Pet Animal Act, using the procedures set out at K.S.A. 47-1710. The Supervisor of Animal Services may return the animal to its rightful owner, keeper or harborer upon request and may require the payment of a service charge and a boarding fee for days spent in confinement at the shelter prior to return of the animal. If any animal impounded for any reason is determined by the Animal Services Officer to require confinement separate from other like animals in order to protect the health and wellbeing of that animal, staff, the public, or other animals being housed at the animal holding facility due to any aggressive behavior and/or any disease or medical conditions, the boarding fee for such animal shall be twice the normal boarding fee established by the animal shelter. Any person who is convicted of the charge of animal running at large shall be punished with a maximum fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or a jail sentence not to exceed 6 months. Mandatory minimum fines are as set forth below: