by Bunny Goodjohn, CVRR Volunteer
Leash laws can be confusing. I asked Chief Animal Warden Ryan Ball to help me understand when I need to snap a leash on my dog.
Q: First, can we learn a little about you? How long have you been with Animal Control . . . and what animals do you have at home?
A: Hello Everyone. I have been with the Lynchburg Police Department for just over nine years. I started my career with LPD as an animal warden for nearly three years before going to the police academy in 2013. I was a patrol officer for nearly four years before accepting the Chief Animal Warden position. I have been the Chief Animal Warden for just over two years now.
At home, I have two dogs: a female golden retriever named Kami that is almost 11 years old and Bear, a male Shih Tzu and Chihuahua mix.
Q: No surprise that you share your space with a couple of dogs! Ryan, City code says that dogs are not allowed to “run at large.” What does that mean?
A: Running at large simply means that a dog is uncontrolled and off of its property, typically roaming around the neighborhood. A dog can also be at large if out for a walk with its owner but not controlled by a leash or voice command. We sometimes get complaints for people walking their dogs down the street but the dog is ten plus feet away and roaming around. This is not under voice control and would be considered “at large.”
Q: Is there anywhere in the city were people CAN let their dogs run around off leash?
A: The Lynchburg Dog Park (515 Monticello Ave) allows for off leash running that is enclosed inside of a fence. It is the ONLY public place in the city where dogs can run around off leash. The Park is free and requires that each dog has a current city license.
Q: So can someone unclip their dog’s leash in, say, one of the city parks or on the Blackwater Trail?
A: No. That would be a violation of city ordinance 7-36 prohibiting dogs from running at large. Also, city ordinance 28-7 sub-section D states “No person shall commit any other activity in a city park or other public facility which activity has been expressly prohibited by a sign or signs posted by the city.” All city parks have signs that state dogs must be on a leash at all times while in a city park. This would prohibit voice command while in city parks, requiring a leash for all dogs.
Q: Are leash laws common in America?
A: Laws to prevent dogs from running at large are fairly common in America. Some states have specific laws requiring dogs to be contained and not be allowed to roam while many states allow each locality to create their own ordinances in regards to it.
Q: How many dogs did Animal Control pick up last year because they were “running at large” . . . and what’s the penalty?
A: There were 897 “Dog at Large” complaints in 2018. Many of these complaints are handled by returning the dog to the owner with a warning or summons issued. 158 dogs were taken to the Lynchburg Humane Society in 2018 for “running at large” when no owner could be located. Dog at Large is a class four misdemeanor, which is typically a fine of twenty-five dollars plus court costs. Class four misdemeanors are punishable by a fine not to exceed two-hundred and fifty dollars in Virginia.
Q: How do you make sure YOUR dogs get enough exercise?
A: I enjoy taking my dogs on walks on the Blackwater Creek Trail or throwing a tennis ball with them in the backyard. My golden loves to play fetch and that is one of our typical routines. It’s important to make sure our dogs are getting physical activity and mental stimulation each day. I would suggest that each dog owner discuss their pet’s needs when visiting their veterinarian for their yearly checkups.
Thanks, Ryan and please pass our thanks on to your Animal Control team at Lynchburg Police Department.
Lynchburg Dog Park: http://www.lynchburgdogpark.com/
Lynchburg Animal Control: http://www.lynchburgva.gov/animal-control
If you would like to adopt or foster a dog or volunteer with the CVRR please contact us at http://www.cvrrescue.org or via the CVRR Facebook page.
