NATURAL GAS; PUBLIC UTILITY RATES;
UTILITIES - NATURAL GAS;
January 9, 2003 |
2003-R-0010 | |
LEASH LAWS | ||
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By: Joseph R. Holstead, Research Analyst | ||
You asked for a summary of leash laws in Connecticut and neighboring states.
SUMMARY
Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island do not have state leash laws. But local government in each state may create leashing requirements for dogs.
CONNECTICUT
The general statutes do not mandate that dogs be on leashes at all times, but they specify that an owner must always keep his dog under control and off of private property (unless authorized). A copy of the statute is attached, or see: CGS § 22-364.
Local governments may create leash ordinances (Stafford does not require leashes).
The Environmental Protection Department does require that owners keep their dogs leashed in state parks. A copy of the regulation is attached, or see: CT State Parks and Forests - Pets.
MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts does not have a state leash law, but its statutes require dogs to be chained or leashed at officially designated public highway rest areas. A copy of the statute is attached, or see: Mass. Gen. Laws, Ch. 140 § 174B.
Each of Massachusetts’ cities and towns may have a leash law in their bylaws, according to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
NEW YORK
New York State does not require dog owners to leash their dogs. But local government may address the issue. New York City’s Public Health Code, for example, requires owners to keep their dogs on six-foot (or shorter) leashes in public. A guide to New York City’s leash requirements is attached or see: NYC. AnimalCompanionGuide.
RHODE ISLAND
Rhode Island’s statutes allow city or town councils to make any ordinances concerning dogs that they deem expedient, which must include certain regulations such as leash laws. A copy of the statute is attached, or see: R. I. Gen. Laws § 4-13-15. 1.
Providence, for example, requires that an owner leash his dog when it is off the owner’s property. Providence’s leash law is attached, or see: Providence Code of Ordinances Chap. 4, Article 3 § 4-33.
JRH: eh