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What are Pennsylvania’s dog leash laws?

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Dog attacks and dog bites usually occur because a dog is not confined properly. For example, a dog getting loose from its owner’s yard is usually what triggers a dog bite or dog attack.

Under Pennsylvania state law, there is no general leash requirement. Rather, under state law, dogs must be confined to their owners’ premises at all times.

However, many cities and local municipalities or townships have their own local ordinances.

Philadelphia Dog Leash Law

Section § 10-104 of the Philadelphia Code provides as follows:

Animals Running at Large and Vicious Animals

(1) No person shall permit any animal other than a sterilized cat to go at large upon any street, public place or private property other than the property of the owner of the animal. All animals, other than sterilized cats, using any street, public place or private property of anyone other than the owner of the animal shall be on a leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length including the handgrip but excluding the collar and accompanied by a person able to fully control the animal at all times.

Lower Merion Township Leash Law

Lower Merion Township Code § 90-53. Control of dogs and cats.

No person owning, harboring, keeping or in charge of any dog or cat shall:
(1)Allow such dog or cat to run at large upon the public streets of this municipality or upon the property of others; or

When an owner fails to confine or leash their dog, they may face liability for a dog attack.

Related Pennsylvania Dog Bite & Attack Legal Articles:

For more information, contact a Pennsylvania dog bite and animal attack lawyer. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation.

The personal injury and dog bite lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman handle cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:

  • PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
  • NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities

*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.

Published: August 13, 2012

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