Wylie, TX Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Wylie Code of Ordinances § 18-9 states plainly that all animals shall be kept under restraint and that no animal shall be permitted to run at large. Section 18-1 defines "at large" in two settings: on the owner's premises, a dog is at large if it is not confined by a secure enclosure of sufficient height, strength, length and construction for its breed, or if it is not physically and continually restrained by a person using a leash or chain of proper strength and length that prevents unsolicited contact with any person, their clothing, property or premises; off the owner's premises, a dog is at large unless continually restrained the same way, though an animal securely confined inside a cage, car, truck or other vehicle that cannot contact anyone outside is not considered at large.

Enforcement falls to animal services officers within the police department, who under § 18-2 may pursue an animal running at large onto private property while enforcing the chapter, and under § 18-6(a)(3) may impound any animal found at large. Section 18-10(a)(2) and (b) separately make it an offense for an owner to allow an animal to be at large through insufficient control, and for anyone to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly release a confined animal so it becomes at large; § 18-10(e) provides an affirmative defense if the animal got loose due to forces of nature, fire, or a third party's criminal act by someone not residing at the owner's home.

Redeeming an impounded at-large animal requires proof of current rabies vaccination and city license under § 18-6(c), and impounded animals are held at least seven days unless reclaimed sooner.