How Syracuse Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Syracuse maintains 91 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Syracuse falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Breed Restrictions

Syracuse's Dangerous Dog Ordinance (Article 8.5) requires any dog classified as dangerous, one with a known propensity to attack unprovoked, one that has bitten without provocation, a fighting dog, or one meeting the state Agriculture and Markets Law §121 definition, to stay confined behind a locked, six-foot pen or muzzled and chained off the property. Owners must also carry $100,000 in liability insurance.

Key details: Pen requirement: 6-ft sides or secure top, buried 1 ft if no floor. Off-property restraint: muzzle plus chain, 3 ft max, 300 lb strength. Liability insurance: $100,000 minimum. Criminal penalty: up to $150 fine or 150 days jail. Civil penalty option: up to $500.

Violating any provision of the Dangerous Dog Ordinance is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $150, imprisonment up to 150 days, or both; the city may instead pursue it as a civil violation carrying a penalty up to $500. A dog that attacks again can be ordered destroyed, and the convicted owner must pay all shelter, food, veterinary and destruction costs the city incurs.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Syracuse actively enforces its breed restrictions requirements.

Dog Leash Laws

Syracuse requires every dog to be leashed unless it is on property the owner owns or leases, or on other property with permission. A leash is defined as a securely fastened restraint no more than six feet long, and an unleashed dog can draw a fine of up to $500.00 or 15 days in jail.

Key details: Leash definition: Restraint not more than 6 feet long. Exemptions: Guide dogs, sentry dogs, owner's own property. Unleashed-dog fine: Up to $500.00 or 15 days jail. Seizure authority: Dog control officers and peace officers. Unlicensed redemption window: 3 days after seizure.

Unleashed-dog violations carry their own enhanced penalty under § 16-30.4(c)-(d): a fine up to $500.00, imprisonment up to 15 days, or both, or an alternative civil penalty up to $500.00 recovered by the city. Other Article 8 violations (unrelated to leashing) draw a lower $25.00-$100.00 tiered fine escalating with repeat offenses within five years, per § 16-30.4(a)-(b).

Exotic Pets

Keeping any wild, ferocious, dangerous or poisonous animal, bird or reptile in Syracuse is illegal unless it's at a zoo, licensed lab, circus or exhibit with adequate safeguards, or held under a state DEC wildlife permit. The code names dozens of covered species, from alligators to wolves.

Key details: Ban scope: citywide, any wild/dangerous/poisonous animal. Exempt uses: zoos, licensed labs, circuses/exhibits with safeguards. Also exempt: DEC wildlife permit holders. Named species: alligators, bears, cougars, tigers, wolves, more. Fine: up to $150.

Keeping a prohibited wild or dangerous animal is a violation punishable by a fine of up to $150, imprisonment of up to 15 days, or both. If the violation continues after conviction, each additional day counts as a separate offense, so an owner who keeps the animal after being convicted can face repeated fines.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Syracuse actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.

The Bottom Line

Syracuse is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Syracuse, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Syracuse's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.