Confinement Regulations

All dogs, regardless of age, must be kept constantly confined upon the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer. Some of the acceptable methods of confinement include:

  1. An adequately fenced yard.
  2. A dog run, pen or other enclosure.
  3. Leashed or tethered.
  4. Constantly under supervision.

The Department of Animal Care & Control strongly encourages all dog owners to keep their dog on a leash anytime the animal is not on the owner’s property. Dogs that run loose not only pose a threat to their own safety, but also are responsible for problems, such as:

  • Bites to persons.
  • Spilled trash containers.
  • Damaged property.
  • Attacks on other animals.
  • Traffic accidents.
  • The spread of disease.
  • Termination of mail service.
  • Pet overpopulation.
The Enforcement Division of the Department of Animal Care & Control strictly enforces the licensing and confinement laws. The environmental division of the Franklin County Municipal Court processes all of the approximately 5,000 criminal charges that are filed against dog owners each year by Animal Control Officers.

Failure to comply with the licensing, confinement, and immunization requirements could result in a fine of up to $150 for a first offense. Repeat offenders and owners of vicious dogs (includes all breeds of dogs commonly known as Pit Bulls) that are allowed to run loose face higher fines and the possibility of serving a jail sentence. Dog owners may also face civil action if their dog is involved in an attack on a person or another animal.