WVC Leash Laws

I had a resident ask me about Leash Laws this past week. It is a sensitive topic for dog owners & neighbors who feel frustrated by dogs roaming. I contacted Craig Thomas, who is my direct link to WVC for these types of questions. He found out the answer from Nate Beckstead with WVC Animal Services.

Nate said the following:
"Our codes require all animals to be under control at all times. So it does not matter the size or breed. The only way I know to have the dog under control is to have it on a leash. Electric collars would not be considered under control."

So, if a dog owner has a dog in their yard, but not on a leash, then it is against city code. If you have a concern, Craig gave this advice, "You can ask him to have an officer go to the home and and help the pet owner understand the code in a casual discussion. Chances are the officer will simply say there has been a request made by a neighbor to ask the pet owner to have the animal on a leash and to clean up after the pet. Names usually remain anonymous because we do not want to create contention in the neighborhoods, but it is always a good idea to specifically ask him to keep names anonymous. I think they are like code enforcement in that if they continue to get complaints, more aggressive reminders are issued."

Here is Nate's information:
Nate Beckstead
(801) 965-5806
nathan.beckstead@wvc-ut.gov