ANIMAL LEASH AND CONTROL ORDINANCE

Section 1. Purpose 

The purpose of this ordinance is to protect public safety, promote responsible pet ownership, prevent injuries and property damage, safeguard wildlife, and ensure that domestic animals are properly controlled while in public places within the Town of Paleto Bay.

The Town recognizes that responsible animal ownership contributes to a safe, enjoyable, and welcoming community for residents and visitors alike.

Section 2. Definitions 

Animal means any domesticated dog, cat, or other companion animal commonly kept as a household pet.

Owner means any person who owns, keeps, harbors, possesses, or has custody or control of an animal.

Leash means a physical restraint not exceeding eight (8) feet in length that is capable of controlling an animal.

At Large means an animal that is off the premises of its owner and not under physical restraint or immediate control.

Public Place means any street, sidewalk, park, trail, beach, public building, parking area, or other property open to or used by the general public.

Section 3. Leash Requirement 

Except as otherwise provided by this ordinance, every dog shall be kept on a leash while in any public place within the Town of Paleto Bay.

The leash shall be held or controlled by a person capable of safely restraining the animal.

Retractable leashes shall not exceed eight (8) feet while the animal is in public spaces.

Section 4. Animals Running at Large 

No owner shall permit any animal to run at large within the Town.

Animals found at large may be impounded or otherwise secured by Animal Services or the Paleto Bay Police Department until returned to the owner or otherwise disposed of in accordance with applicable law.

Section 5. Private Property 

Nothing in this ordinance prohibits an owner from allowing an animal to be off leash:

• Within a securely fenced yard;

• Inside the owner's residence;

• On private property with the permission of the property owner;

• While under direct supervision during lawful agricultural activities.

Owners remain responsible for preventing animals from leaving the property or creating a nuisance.

Section 6. Designated Off-Leash Areas 

The Town Council may establish designated off-leash parks or recreation areas.

Within such areas:

• Animals shall remain under voice control;

• Owners shall remain present at all times;

• Aggressive animals shall be immediately leashed and removed;

• Owners shall clean up after their animals.

The Town may temporarily close off-leash areas for maintenance or safety concerns.

Section 7. Service Animals 

Nothing in this ordinance shall restrict the lawful use of service animals assisting individuals with disabilities as protected by applicable law.

Service animals shall remain under the handler's control at all times.

Section 8. Working Animals 

Dogs actively engaged in:

• Law enforcement duties;

• Search and rescue operations;

• Herding livestock;

• Hunting activities where otherwise lawful;

• Agricultural work;

• Emergency response;

may be exempt from the leash requirement while performing their official or intended functions.

Handlers shall maintain effective control of such animals.

Section 9. Dangerous or Aggressive Animals 

Any animal exhibiting aggressive behavior that threatens public safety shall be immediately restrained.

The Town may require additional control measures, including muzzling, secure confinement, or other conditions as authorized by law.

Nothing in this ordinance limits the authority of law enforcement to act in defense of persons or property.

Section 10. Waste Removal 

Any person walking or exercising an animal on public property shall promptly remove and properly dispose of the animal's feces.

Owners shall carry suitable means for waste collection while using public sidewalks, parks, or trails.

Failure to clean up after an animal constitutes a violation of this ordinance.

Section 11. Wildlife Protection 

Domestic animals shall not be intentionally allowed to harass, chase, injure, or disturb wildlife within the Town.

Owners are encouraged to maintain close control of pets in areas known to contain deer, coyotes, mountain lions, or other native species.

Section 12. Emergency Situations 

Nothing in this ordinance prevents a person from temporarily releasing an animal when reasonably necessary to avoid imminent danger to human life or the animal itself.

Such release shall cease once the emergency has passed.