Illinois Statewide Rule
Illinois Animal Control Act and Dog Restraint Standards
Key Facts
- Statute
- 510 ILCS 5
- Bite liability
- Strict liability owner
- Rabies vaccine age
- Four months minimum
- Enforcement
- County animal control
Summary
Illinois law requires owners to keep dogs under restraint or control off their property and imposes strict liability for bites by unrestrained animals statewide.
Sec. 9. Any dog found running at large contrary to provisions of this Act may be apprehended and impounded. For this purpose, the Administrator shall utilize any existing or available animal control facility or licensed animal shelter. The dog's owner shall pay a $25 public safety fine to be deposited into the county animal control fund or the county pet population control fund. Funds transferred to or retained by a municipality before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly under this paragraph shall continue to be transferred to and be retained by that municipality. A dog found running at large contrary to the provisions of this Act a second or subsequent time must be sterilized within 30 days after being reclaimed unless already sterilized; failure to comply shall result in impoundment.
Full Breakdown
The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5) governs dog-at-large incidents and bite liability uniformly across the state. Under Section 16, owners are strictly liable when a dog without provocation attacks or injures a person peaceably conducting themselves on public or private property. Section 9 authorizes county animal control to impound dogs running at large. Municipalities may add leash length limits, but the strict liability framework, rabies vaccination requirements, and dangerous dog procedures (Sections 15, 8, 15.1) apply uniformly. State-level rabies vaccination is mandatory for dogs over four months old.
Violations & Penalties
Petty offense fines up to $500 per incident; impoundment fees; civil liability for injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Illinois require dogs to be on a leash?
Am I liable if my unleashed dog bites someone?
Sources
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