Question by Jacque: What is definition for phrase "running at large" ? Dogcatcher says: off a leash. I say: Unsupervised.
I live in a small midwest town.My dog & I got out of my car at the city park. Leash was in my hand & dog was beside me. Animal control officer drove up and stated that my dog must be on a leash within city limits. I told him she wasn't running at large, she was walking beside me. He stated not running at large means she must be on a leash. I stated that I believed running at large means 'unsupervised'. Two days later I received a warning letter from city hall including the following definition of 'at large': " 'At large' means off the premises of the owner and not under the control of a competent person, restrained within a motor vehicle, or housed in a veterinary hospital or kennel". City Clerk stated that animal control officer could have issued a citatation requiring me to appear before a judge. I don't believe that I was in violation of the city ordinance.
Best answer:
Answer by k
I don't know about your particular city, but most cities have laws that dogs must be on leash at all times unless at dog parks etc.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
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What does the law say?
“‘At large’ means off the premises of the owner and not under the control of a competent person, restrained within a motor vehicle, or housed in a veterinary hospital or kennel
Were you off the owner’s premesis?
Was the dog under your immediate control? (Voice command doesn’t qualify)
Was the dog restrained in a motor vehicle, hosued in a veterinary hospital, or kennel?
No? Then you were in violation.
They’re called “leash laws” for a reason. Doesn’t matter what you choose to interpret the law as – what matters is what the police and government interprets the law as.
Sorry but you are in violations of the city. At large means that is was off your property and off a leash. Most towns have a leash law and it requires all animals off the property must be leashed. But I understand where you are coming from
Here, running at large is as the dog catcher told you..it is a pity, but many people would abuse the privilege of allowing dogs off-lead..especially not scooping their poop…as I walk with several dogs during the day..it is a hassle to have to always keep them leashed..even in safe, secluded places…Most of mine need leashed, but my one little girl is so reliable, i would like to have her just be able to walk with me.
Didnt you ever hear the phrase,”you cant fight city hall?” The law is what it is and not your interpetation of it. Under control means either behind a barrier or on a leash. You must understand that while I’m sure your dog is a little angel, not all are as well trained and it is for the public safety and the dog’s that they have these rules.
If your dog was walking calmy beside you and under verbal control then I can’t see how it could be considered “at large”. I consider at large to be running around town/ through the country with no control.
Most places have “leash laws” now. This means your dog must be on a leash unless it is on your property or in a designated off-leash area (such as a designated off-leash dog park). I believe the phrase in the warning “not under the control of a competent person” means not PHYSICALLY under the control, i.e. leashed, rather than not willing to follow commands.
This ‘rule’ or definition is required due to the fact that if a dog (that was not on a leash) decided to run over and attack another man’s dog you would be powerless to stop him.
If the animal control officer tells you that your dog has to be on a leash, then it has to be on a leash. The city ordinance is worded the way it is to prevent an animal that is not controlled or restrained in some matter from causing harm to another person or their property (ie their pet).
Simple solution… keep your pet on the leash… you said you had the leash in your hand.. just clip it on the animal and others will be protected from an unexpected attack from your animal and you will be protected from a citation or worse, a lawsuit and having your animal ‘put down’.
Hope this helps.
Dogs are not always predictable. You have to be protective of yoursself, your dog, and others around. Even if your dog is always in control who says everybody else’s is. If your dog felt threatened by another dog he might feel the need to show aggression in return. If everybody’s dogs are on leashes there’s less chance of injury to all involved. If your dog gets to walk around loose wouldn’t that mean everybody else’s could too?
It is whatever the animal control has told you.
In the mean time you must look up your county ordanices to verify.
Leash laws mean dog has to be leashed regardless or control.
>>>’At large’ means off the premises of the owner and ***not under the control of a competent person***, restrained within a motor vehicle, or housed in a veterinary hospital or kennel”. <<<
It seems to me that under that wording, if your dog was under control it was not “at large”. Was your dog under control? Is she well trained? Does she listen, stay close and come when called? If so, I would not consider her “at large”.
oh, wouldn’t it be nice if we could follow our own interpretations of the law! just be happy you got off with a warning and keep your dog on a leash from now on.