With cooler temperatures arriving to our region and fall weather upon us, a lot of people are taking advantage of our great outdoors. We are seeing an increase all around the community in people walking, running and working outside with their families and their animals. We also are receiving complaints about animals being off leash while walking with their owners and at large off their property where they reside.
We have had reports of animals aggressively going after other animals that are being walked and in some instances of dogs aggressively going after people walking or running by as well. We would like to remind everyone of our City Ordinances in order to ensure everyone can enjoy the great weather and outdoors safely.
City Ordinance 6-204 RESTRAINT; OWNERS DUTY: The owner shall keep his or her
dog under restraint and shall not permit the dog to be at large.
City Ordinance 6-205 RUNNING AT LARGE; OWNERS DUTY: It shall be unlawful for
the owner of any animal or the owner of any property where an animal resides within the City to allow that animal to run at large within the City.
City Ordinance 6-101 DEFINITION: AT LARGE: Any dog or other animal not confined
by an adequate fence or on a leash either tied to a stationary object or held by a competent
person on public or private property.
City Ordinance 6-101 DEFINITION: RESTRAINT: A dog or any other animal is under
restraint within the meaning of this chapter if it is controlled by a leash or chain held by a
competent person, on or within a vehicle being driven or parked on public property, or
within an adequate fence on the property limits of its owner or keeper.
We would ask that all pet owners follow these ordinances for the safety of our fellow community members enjoying the outdoors. These ordinances are in place for everyone’s protection and for the protection of the pets as well. Nobody wants to see an animal get hit by a vehicle.
Everyone should be able to walk, run and recreate without fear of being chased or bitten by a stray animal or an animal that is off leash.
If anyone has any questions about these City Ordinances or any other City Ordinances, we
encourage you to contact any officer at the Chadron Police Department. We are happy to answer any questions.