HANOVER, Va. (WWBT)—Starting Tuesday, all dogs in Hanover County must be kept on a leash when leaving their owners’ property.
While Hanover County’s leash law requires all dogs to be leashed year-round in suburban areas, the rule extends to rural areas in the spring and early summer.
The county says this helps protect vulnerable newborn farm animals from roaming dogs and reduces the risk of rabies exposure. The county says rabies cases tend to increase during these three months.
Unleashed dogs found off their owner’s property will be taken to the animal shelter. Owners will be charged a $25 fee for the first violation, with an additional $10 penalty for each subsequent violation within 12 months.
A $5 daily boarding fee will also apply.
The countywide mandate is staying in effect until June 30.
To report an unleashed dog, call Hanover County Emergency Communications at 804-365-6140. If an animal poses an immediate threat, call 911.
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