Animal Ordinances in Syracuse, NY (2026)
3 verified animal ordinances for Syracuse, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Syracuse Dog Leash Law: Six-Foot Restraint Required
Some RestrictionsSyracuse Rev. Gen. Ordinances § 16-27(A),(O); § 16-28(B); § 16-30.4(c)
Sec. 16-27(A) At large—Means any dog that is unleashed and on property open to the public or is on private property not owned or leased by the owner of the dog unless permission for such presence has been obtained... Sec. 16-27(O) Leash—A securely fastened restraint not more than six (6) feet long held by a responsible person. ... Sec. 16-28(B) Every dog shall be leashed unless on property owne...
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.
Syracuse Dangerous Dog Confinement and Muzzle Rules
Significant RestrictionsSyracuse, N.Y., Rev. Gen. Ordinances §§ 16-30.7—16-30.10 (Dangerous Dogs)
(a)No person owning or harboring or having the care or custody of a dangerous dog shall suffer or permit such dog to go unconfined on the premises of such person. A dangerous dog is "unconfined" as the term is used in this section if such dog is not securely confined indoors or confined in a securely enclosed and locked pen or a dog run area upon the premises of said person and if such premises...
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.
Syracuse Bans Wild and Dangerous Animals as Pets
Heavy RestrictionsSyracuse, N.Y., Rev. Gen. Ordinances §§ 16-62—16-64 (Wild and Dangerous Animals)
No person shall keep within the City of Syracuse any animal which is deemed to include a reptile, bird and/or an animal of a species which is wild, ferocious, fierce, dangerous, poisonous or naturally inclined to do harm, except under the following conditions or locations: (1)A zoological park; or(2)A laboratory operated pursuant to the Public Health Law; or(3)A circus, sideshow, or other place...