Expanded Dog Leash Law Mulled In West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Currently, allowing your dog to roam on town property outside of parks/playgrounds is frowned upon.

But later this month, it could become a violation of the law.

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The West Hartford Town Council voted unanimously last month to advance a proposed ordinance that would require dogs to be leashed on town-owned property, setting a public hearing for June 23.

The council voted 7-0 May 26 to receive the proposed ordinance and schedule a public hearing at 6:45 p.m. on June 23 at West Hartford Town Hall, 50 S. Main St.

The proposed ordinance would expand existing restrictions on dogs roaming freely beyond parks and playgrounds to include public highways, streets, sidewalks and other town-owned property.

According to the ordinance, the West Hartford Animal Control Officer responded to more than 100 roaming dog calls between 2023 and 2025.

About half of those incidents involved dogs on town-owned property, and 64 resulted in incident reports involving bites to either people or other dogs by animals that were off leash.

Town officials cited public safety concerns as a reason for the proposal, noting that leashing dogs can reduce the risk of bites, attacks and accidents involving pedestrians and other animals.

Under the proposed rules, dog owners or keepers would be required to keep dogs under control with a leash or similar physical restraint no longer than 6 feet while on public property.

The requirement would not apply in enclosed dog parks designated by the town manager.

The ordinance would authorize the West Hartford Police Department to enforce the regulations.

Proposed penalties would include a $25 fine for a first offense, $50 for a second offense, and $99 for a third and subsequent offenses within a calendar year.

Dog owners who receive citations would have the right to appeal within 10 days through the town's citation hearing process.

The town council is expected to hear public comment and consider next steps when the ordinance returns for a public hearing on June 23.

For the minutes of the May 26 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.