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1. Is there a leash law in Louisa County?

Louisa County does have a leash law in effect throughout the entire county, see code below.  

Sec. 14-28. - Dogs not to be off owner's premises except when under control; enforcement.

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(a)

It shall be unlawful for any dog in this county to run at large at any time. It shall be the duty of the animal control officer to enforce the provisions of this section.

(b)

For the purpose of this section, a dog shall be deemed to be "running at large" while roaming or running off the property of its owner or custodian and not under its owner's or custodian's immediate control; provided, that no dog shall be deemed to be running at large in violation of this section if it shall be engaged in lawful hunting or training for hunting under the direction of its owner or custodian and shall thereafter stray from lawful hunting or training for hunting; or if the dog shall be engaged to assist farming activity, which is defined as raising, managing and using agricultural animals to provide food, fiber, or transportation, provided, that such owner or custodian shall place such dog under his immediate control within a reasonable time.

(c)

A violation of this section may result in such dog being taken into possession by the animal control officer and returned to the owner with a written warning.

(d)

A habitual offender, three or more violations within two years, will result in a $100.00 fine.

(e)

A violation within two years of receiving the fine will result in a court summons pursuant to Louisa County Code section 14-51 for an unlawful act that constitutes a Class 4 misdemeanor.

(Res. of 4-6-15(2015-87), Att.(§ 14-208); Res. of 5-2-22(2022-9), Att.)

Leash Law in Louisa County page.

2. What is the penalty for violation of the County Leash Law?

According to Louisa Code Sec. 14-45 (3), violation of the leash ordinance is a class 4 misdemeanor. In addition, for violation of the subdivision leash ordinance any person who permits his dog to run at large in violation of this section shall be subject to a fine of not more than $100 for each occurrence.

3. What should I do if my dog is missing?

Contact the Louisa County Animal Shelter. A missing animal form will be filled out and kept on file for at least a year. Also check with the Louisa County Animal Shelter, for more information visit the Animal Shelter page.

4. How and where do I get a dog license?

Dog licenses can be purchased from the Louisa County Treasures Office. No license fee is charged to the owner of service dogs. The fees for dog licenses are:
- Male or Female - Unsterilized: $10
- Male or Female - Sterilized: $4
- Kennel License - up to 20 dogs: $45
- Kennel License - up to 50 dogs: $50

To obtain a dog license you must have the following:
- A current certificate of rabies vaccination
- Proof the dog has been Sterilized (spayed or neutered)
- Cash or a check made payable to County of Louisa

5. What are the penalties for an un-licensed dog?

Penalties for an unlicensed dog:
- A class IV misdemeanor
- Up to $250 fine