Even the most obedient dogs can be tempted by sounds and wildlife when outdoors, potentially putting themselves, the handler or wildlife at risk. This is why dogs in Douglas County are required to be on a leash when on public property.
“Dogs are required to be physically restrained by a 15-foot leash when on public property within unincorporated Douglas County,” said Bryanna Munns, an animal law enforcement sergeant with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Unincorporated areas are those outside of city and town limits. Cities and towns within Douglas County also have leash laws. For example, Castle Rock requires leashes, cords and chains to not exceed more than 10 feet in length.
Munns added that dogs must be physically restrained by someone who is capable of maintaining control of the dog to ensure that the dog is not approaching other animals or people without permission. Dogs found off the owner or handler’s property are called “strays,” according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website, and may be impounded.
If owners fail to properly control their dog or allow it to run at large in the community, they are in violation of Douglas County’s Resolution 019-029.
Enforcement of the resolution consists of the option for an educational conversation, a formal written warning and a payable fine.
The sheriff’s website also states that fines for violations begin at $50 per animal, and increases with additional violations. A summons for the dog owner to appear in court may also happen.
“The enforcement action that the responding officer takes is dependent upon the previous history of the dog owner,” said Munns. “And whether the individual is receptive to our contact.”
Why Douglas County have leash laws
There are multiple reasons why leash laws are put in place.
Not only does having a dog on a leash allow the owner or handler to more easily break up any negative encounters with other animals or people, but it also helps prevent dogs from roaming into unsafe areas, such as onto icy ponds.
With coyotes being a frequent sight throughout Douglas County, the Highlands Ranch Metro District says having dogs on a leash can help protect them, as coyotes and other wildlife might see an unleashed dog as prey or a threat to their territory.
Where can I allow my well-behaved dog to run free?
Dogs are allowed to run off leash in nearby designated off leash areas that are fenced in. These include Chatfield State Park, South Suburban’s David A. Lorenz Regional Park, Bayou Gulch Regional Park, Fairgrounds Regional Park, Glendale Farm Open Space and Devon’s Dog Park at Greenland Open Space.
The Highlands Ranch Metro District also has four off-leash dog parks, which are open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. The parks include:
- Digger’s at Dad Clark Park, 3385 Astrobrook Circle
- Fido’s Field at Foothills Park, 1042 Riddlewood Road
- Hound Hill at Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec St.
- Rover’s Run at Redstone Park, 3280 Redstone Park Circle
In Parker, a dog should be on a leash 30 feet or shorter in all parks and trails, except for the USMC CPL David M. Sonka Dog Park.
Every park requires the owner or handler to put a leash on their dog when entering and exiting the park, and to pick up after their dogs. Owners or handlers must carry a leash at all times and be present in the park with their pet.
Additionally, dogs must be vaccinated, and aggressive dogs and dogs-in-season are not allowed.
Are dogs allowed on local walking trails?
In terms of taking dogs on walking trails, dogs are not allowed on the Wildcat Mountain Trail System or the Highlands Point Trail system. However, if on a leash, they are allowed on the Rocky Gulch Trail and the Douglas County East/West Trail.
More information about leash laws and owner expectations in Douglas County can be found on the Douglas County website at tinyurl.com/bde4a48k.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
