Council advances leash ordinance language for more restrictive control of dogs off property

Councilmember Brandt presented draft amendments on June 12 that would require dogs to be on a leash when off their owners' property and set restraints sufficient to prevent trespass or attacking. The council voted to continue review and hold a final vote in August.

"This is basically amending our ordinances to require that dogs be on leashes when they're being walked through neighborhoods or when they're not on your property," Brandt said during the meeting, noting the draft was still open for resident input over the summer.

The proposed language would replace a prior standard that relied on the owner keeping a dog "under control" even when it was allowed off the property. Brandt and other council members and staff discussed options for a definitive leash length versus a reasonableness standard. "What it has currently, it says the length of a leash or other restraint shall be no longer than is reasonably as reasonably necessary to maintain control of a dog ... to prevent the animal from trespassing on private property or chasing or attacking," Director Gudetti said, summarizing the draft language the council was considering.

Council members expressed support for tighter rules given denser neighborhoods and frequent pedestrian activity; one council member said the city would solicit public feedback before finalizing language. The draft also opened the question of exceptions for law enforcement or working dogs; council asked staff to add that exception to keep consistency with other jurisdictions.

During public comment, a resident who identified himself as Vinnie of 1095 Hampton Drive said he opposed parts of the draft, warning it could penalize common leash behavior: "I don't like the dog amendment. I think it just penalizes me for walking my dog. My dog likes to zig zag... technically, by the letter of the law, if I anytime I walk my dog, I know she's gonna kinda do this," he said.

Councilmembers discussed possible compromises: copying a reasonableness standard into park ordinances, or establishing a specific maximum leash length for sidewalks and easements. No final ordinance was adopted; the council directed staff to redraft park rules to align, add exceptions for police and working dogs, and to return with a revised draft for further consideration in July/August.