Local leash laws apply to all dogs

[Global Paw]

Leash-lacking dogs run wild in the streets of Jacksonville, and Joe Wooddell of the Jacksonville Animal Shelter would like to see it stop.

"People do not realize there's a leash law," Wooddell said. "You cannot even let them go out to the bathroom without a leash. You can't even play with them out in the yard if they can get into the street."

Jacksonville's animal ordinance makes it unlawful for owners to allow their animals to "run at-large."

The ordinance also gives animal control officers the authority to impound at-large animals and enter onto privately owned property to retrieve the animal.

The leash law extends to Lake Jacksonville as well.

"It's in effect right by the swimming area," Wooddell said. "The only time it (the animal) can be off a leash is in a boat.

"We've caught a lot out there," Wooddell said, cautioning, "Let them play, but keep the leash on."

Wooddell said he usually gives a warning for a first offense, but, "if they don't listen the second time, I snatch it."

Violators pay when they pick up their animals from the shelter - $30 if the animal has its rabies shot, $40 if it still needs one.

That does not include misdemeanor fines from the city.

"Typically a fine on city ordinance is up to $500," said Jacksonville Municipal Court Judge Pete Menefee, "(but) just like any court, we have a window fine."

The "window fine" is the cost of a ticket if it is not contested in front of the judge.

Jacksonville Court Clerk Margarita Meza said the window fine for leash violations is $100, which includes the $48 fine and $52 in court costs.

"If they plead not guilty, it can go up," Meza said.

For at-large violations, Menefee can hand down a penalty of up to $200.

"If the animal is classified vicious, it's even more," Wooddell said.

But, the leash laws are rarely enforced.

"In a year, I would say about five (tickets are issued)," Meza said.

Wooddell estimated slightly more, but admitted few tickets are issued.

Things will soon change - construction is underway for the Richard D. Klein Animal Shelter in Jacksonville. The new shelter will be run entirely by volunteers, meaning Jacksonville's animal control officers will spend less time at the kennel, and more time on the streets.

Wooddell said an understanding of the leash laws would help reduce the number of animals in Jacksonville's overcrowded shelter.

Other animal laws people may not be aware of include:

No person or family can keep more than four animals (dogs or cats), or three animals plus one litter less than three months of age.

It is illegal to sell, possess or give away dyed or colored baby chicks, ducklings, rabbits or any other animal. Only businesses selling the animals for food are exempt.

The entire City of Jacksonville is considered a bird sanctuary, meaning no one can shoot or molest any bird or wild fowl in the city.

It is a misdemeanor to keep or harbor skunks, raccoons, monkeys or any species of reptile in the City of Jacksonville.

[Pinscher Mum]

We have leash laws here also, and although Tiffany can and will walk beside me no matter where we are without leash, when we go out l do put her leash on her and just tie it to my belt as she never ever pulls, but if another dog was to approach, l do have an option to quickly pull her around me by the leash if needed.

More people need to use a leash while out in the public at all times, no matter how safe your dog is, that dog walking upto you might not be.