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Wilmington, DE Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Leash length limit
6 feet maximum
Restraint required
At all times off property
Off-leash exception
Designated park areas only
First-offense fine
$1,000-$2,000, nonsuspendable
Liability
Owner strictly liable

Summary

Wilmington requires every dog to be kept under restraint at all times and, whenever off the owner's property in public or on private land without consent, secured by a leash or chain no longer than six feet.

All dogs shall not only be kept under restraint at all times, but also, while on any public street, highway, lane, alley, or sidewalk, or in or on any part of any public park or parkland, public square, or other public space, or in or on any open space that is private property without the consent of the owner, shall be secured by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length and of sufficient tensile strength to restrain the particular animal...

Source: Wilmington City Code Ch. 3 – AnimalsView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).

Full Breakdown

City Code Sec. 3-10(a) bars dogs from running loose anywhere in Wilmington. On any public street, sidewalk, alley, park, square or other public space, or on private open space without the owner's consent, a dog must be on a leash or chain of sufficient strength and no more than six feet long. The rule relaxes only inside a park's designated off-leash area while the owner stays present. Owners are strictly liable even if someone else was walking the dog.

Violations & Fines

First offense: mandatory, nonsuspendable fine of $1,000-$2,000; second offense $2,000-$3,000; third and later offenses $3,000-$5,000, per Sec. 3-10(d)(1). Higher fines apply if an unrestrained dog bites someone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I let my dog off-leash in a Wilmington park?
Only within a park's specifically designated off-leash area, and only while you stay with the dog.
What's the minimum fine for a leash violation in Wilmington?
A mandatory, nonsuspendable fine of at least $1,000 for a first offense under Sec. 3-10(d)(1).
Am I liable if someone else was walking my dog off-leash?
Yes. Sec. 3-10(b) makes the owner strictly liable regardless of who was handling the dog.

Sources & Official References

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All Wilmington rules

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