Aurora Leash Laws
Regardless of whether you have a dog, it is important to understand Aurora leash laws to protect both yourself and your family. Dog owners must comply with leash requirements to prevent accidents resulting in serious legal consequences and devastating injuries. The skilled dog bite lawyers at Amy G Injury Firm understand these laws and could help you understand your legal options if a pet owner’s failure to properly leash their dog caused injury to you or a loved one. Contact our attorneys today to begin pursuing the compensation you deserve.
What are Leash Laws?
In Aurora, the law requires that all dogs remain on a leash when they leave their owner’s property. Aurora City Code § 14-5 states that, when in a public space, dogs must be on a leash no longer than ten feet and held by someone who can physically control the animal.
If an owner tethers a dog on their property, the tether must be a minimum of six feet in length and prevent the dog from accessing public property, including the sidewalk. A dog owner must understand and adhere to these leash regulations to prevent individuals from being injured by a dog attack.
Are There Exceptions to Leash Laws?
Dogs do not have to be on a leash if they are on their owner’s property. This includes any property attached to and surrounding the dog owner’s residence, but does not include common areas, parks, or recreational property jointly owned by a homeowner’s association.
Additionally, a dog does not have to be on a leash if enclosed in the owner’s vehicle or while in a designated off-leash dog park. Understanding when a pet must be restrained is important, and an experienced attorney in Aurora could help you understand leash regulations and how they may apply to your case.
What Are the Consequences for Violating the Leash Laws?
Dog owners who violate Aurora’s pet restraint requirements may face serious consequences. For the first violation of the pet leash law, an owner will pay a fine of $25. For a second offense, the owner will pay a fine of at least $75, and courts will require them to spay or neuter and microchip their pet. If courts find an owner guilty of violating the law a third or subsequent time, they will be ordered to pay a fine of between $150 and $1,000, and potentially serve up to one year in jail.
Additionally, if the unleashed dog injures someone, the owner could face civil suits seeking compensation for any damages, including hospital expenses. During an initial consultation, an experienced attorney from Amy G Injury Firm could further explain the penalties for violating leash laws and the compensation you could expect to receive through an injury claim.
Contact an Aurora Attorney for Help Understanding Leash Regulations
City officials enacted Aurora leash laws to protect people from suffering injuries from dog bites. When a dog runs free, the chances of it injuring someone increase. If a dog owner’s failure to properly leash their animal resulted in your injuries, you are entitled to compensation.
The lawyers at Amy G Injury Firm understand the trauma that can accompany dog bite injuries. If a dog has attacked you, speak with a seasoned attorney to protect your rights. Contact our team today to discuss your options.