Leash Laws in Twin Falls ID Nobody Seems to Understand

Leash Laws in Twin Falls ID That Nobody Seems to Understand

In recent discussions on social media, Twin Falls residents have debated whether dogs must be kept on a leash within city limits or if being under ‘strict verbal command’ is sufficient. For clarification, I dived into Twin Falls City code, to flesh out fact from fiction to help answer the question: Do dogs have to be kept on leash in Twin Falls?

Leash Requirements and Definitions

According to Twin Falls city code, a dog is considered 'at large' if it is not confined within a fenced or completely enclosed area or on a chain or leash. The code explicitly requires that dogs be confined or leashed to prevent them from running freely within the city limits (Twin Falls City Code 6-4-1, "At Large"). This means if your dog is anywhere outside a fenced enclosure, they must be on a leash.

Key Provisions of Twin Falls Leash Ordinance

1. Definition of 'At Large': The city defines at large as any dog not confined within a fenced or completely enclosed area or on a chain or leash. This means that even if a dog is under strict verbal command, it must still be physically restrained to comply with the ordinance.

2. Impoundment, Penalties, and Animal Destruction: If a dog is found running at large, it can be impounded by the city's animal control officers. Owners may face a misdemeanor charge, and the dog may be taken to the city animal shelter. To redeem an impounded dog, owners must pay fees, provide proof of rabies vaccination, and ensure the dog is licensed. Unclaimed dogs may be adopted or, in some cases, humanely destroyed (Twin Falls City Code 6-4-8, "Impounding Dogs; Procedure for Redemption").

3. Vicious Dogs: The ordinance also addresses ‘vicious dogs,’ defined as dogs that have harmed or pose a physical threat to people or other animals. Owners of vicious dogs may face severe penalties, including fines, jail time, or even mandatory destruction of the dog if deemed a public safety threat (Twin Falls City Code 6-4-16, "Destruction of Vicious Animals").

Consequences of Violations

Violating the leash law by allowing a dog to run at large can result in the dog being impounded and the owner facing fines or other penalties (Twin Falls City Code 6-4-15, "Penalty"). For more severe cases involving vicious dogs, the consequences are stricter, including the destruction of the dog if it poses a danger to the public (Twin Falls City Code 6-4-16, "Destruction of Vicious Animals").

No Debate: Dogs in Twin Falls City Limits Must Be Leashed

The Twin Falls city code clearly stipulates that all dogs must be confined or on a leash within city limits, with no exceptions for dogs under verbal control.
For further information, you can review the full city code or contact the local animal control office.