Leash Laws
July 19, 2019
IT’S THE LAW
Leashes or leads are required in Cedar Hills when walking any dog (Any rope, leather strap, chain, device or other material being held in the hand of the person capable of control to restrain an animal and actually controlling the animal to which it is tied.) when they are off of their owner’s property. Dogs must also have current rabies tags and county licenses.
- Any animal under the control of its owner or custodian, except a dog shall not be considered under control of the owner or custodian unless on a leash or lead, confined within a vehicle, or within the real property limits of the owner or custodian. (Must be fenced area)
- Any rope, leather strap, chain, device or other material being held in the hand of the person capable of control to restrain an animal and actually controlling the animal to which it is tied.
Having you dog on a leash can also prevent your dog from getting bitten by a snake, or other wildlife while hiking the trails.
THE FACTS:
Dog bites and animal attacks can be very traumatic, especially for children. However, not all dog-related injuries are from bites. Dogs can unintentionally cause bike wrecks, skating accidents, trips and falls, or even emotional distress including PTSD.
Any attack or accident can leave a victim with serious physical and emotional scars. Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. seeks medical attention for a dog-related injury. Children are especially prone to dog and animal bites.
STRICT LIABILITY:
In Utah, the dog owner is nearly always responsible for any injuries that are caused by his or her dog. Unlike other states, an injured person in Utah DOES NOT need to prove that a dog involved in an attack was of a vicious or that the owner was aware of the dog’s danger.
If you see an animal on the loose, or have been attacked by an animal at large, please call animal control and file a report.
American Fork Police/ Animal Control 801-763-3020
DOG PARKS:
There are off-leash dog parks or parks with off-leash areas available around Utah, where you can legally play with your dog without a leash. Dog parks specifically are fenced areas where dogs are allowed to roam and play to their heart’s content, as long as their owner is nearby.
If you choose to go to a dog park, make sure to follow the dog park’s rules. They require that all dogs are up-to-date on their vaccines and registration, and you need to make sure that your dog is well-behaved, as other dogs will also be off their leashes.