Overview
Animals must be kept under control for their own protection and to preserve the public health and safety of our citizens. Dogs, livestock, and other animals found off the owner’s, or keeper’s, property are called “strays” and may be impounded. The owner, or keeper, may also be fined.

Running at large
A dog owner is in violation of this law if an owner fails to properly control their dog, or allows a dog to run at large in the City. This ordinance does not apply in designated parks where dogs are permitted to run off leash.

C.M.C. § 7-7-410 (b) Running at large. “Control means the dog is on a leash, cord, or chain not more than ten feet in length held by a person of sufficient age, size, and physical ability to restrain the animal.”

There is no justification for allowing pets to roam. Animals that are not properly restrained may be responsible for causing injury or death. Free-roaming animals also attack livestock, other pet animals, and wildlife. In addition, the pet overpopulation problem is directly related to the free roaming of cats and dogs. A free-roaming animal is also exposed to disease from other animals, injury or death from traffic, retaliation by irate property owners, or poisoning from the ingestion of garbage.

Please help us keep our community safe for everyone by keeping your animal properly restrained and promptly reporting violations!