Arizona Dog Leash Laws

Arizona Dog Leash Laws

In Arizona, your dog should be on a leash at all times. No dog shall be permitted at large. Dog owners are often unaware of the Arizona laws that require taking proper measures to restrain your pet to protect others from potential harm that can arise out of your dog’s actions. Below are the basic of Arizona Dog Leash Laws.

The Basics of Arizona Dog Leash Law

Each dog should be confined with an enclosure on the owner’s property, so that the dog is confined entirely to the owner’s property, or on a leash not to exceed six feet in length, directly under the owner’s control when not on the owner’s property.

Exceptions to Arizona Dog Leash Law

However, the requirement that your dog be restrained by a leash or other means does not apply to a park, or an area within a park, that is designated by the Director of the Parks and Recreation Board as a dog park. However, the owner must remain in control of the dog.

When is a Dog Not Considered at Large?

A dog is not at large if:

• The dog is restrained by a leash, chain, rope, or cord of more than six feet in length and of sufficient strength to control the dog
• The dog is being used for control of livestock, or being exhibited or trained at a kennel club event or at an organized dog sport event approved by the City Manager or the City Manager’s authorized representative, or is engaged in races approved by the Arizona Racing Commission
• The dog, whether on or off the property of the owner, is within a suitable enclosure which actually confines the dog
• The dog is a working animal under the control of the handler. For example, a dog who is specifically trained or is being trained for law enforcement or search and rescue work and under the control of a handler, a person who has successfully completed a course of training and who is using a working animal under the direction of a Law Enforcement Agency

Steps Law Enforcement Officers Can Take When a Dog is Found at Large

• The dog may be apprehended and impounded
• Citation(s) may be issued to the dog’s owner or person acting for the owner when the dog is at large
• Any dog at large, or other animal, that is dangerous, vicious, or fierce and a threat to human safety that cannot be safely impounded may be immediately put to sleep

Five Reasons to Obey Leash Laws

• It is the law
• When your dog is under your control—like on a leash—the dog is less likely to get into something he is not supposed to
• Just because your dog is friendly does not mean every dog is friendly
• Not everyone is physically able to withstand a dog jumping on them, even a nice dog
• People have the right to walk in a public park without being confronted by loose dogs.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury resulting from a dog that was not on a leash and roaming at large, it is important to seek medical attention for your injury and call a Phoenix personal injury lawyer immediately. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael Cordova are experienced in claims involving Arizona dog leash laws.