Chesterfield tightens leash on dog leash laws
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Who let the dogs out? If it was you, they better have stayed on your own property, because Chesterfield County is changing up its leash laws. Previously, dogs just needed to be under "immediate control" by their owner when on county property. This update doesn't change too much -- rather, it adjusts that definition a bit to specify that dogs either need to be on a physical leash directly connecting to their owner or unleashed but standing close by and "clearly obedient to commands." The Board of Supervisors' recent vote to tighten leashing laws stemmed from a series of complaints. Matoaca District Supervisor Kevin Carroll reflected on what he's heard from residents over the past few years. "People walking dogs [when] the dog is not on a leash -- and it runs up in the neighbor's yard and gets in their flowerbed, or chases their dog or chases their kid," Carroll said. Those caught letting their dog roam freely in non-designated areas of county property will face a small fine. Officials explained this change is mainly about education, so there will be a sort of "grace period" of time where animal control officials are more focused on spreading the word — not fining people. WATCH: Chesterfield firefighters battle brush fire as Virginia sees increased fire risk 8News reporter Sierra Krug went across the county to speak with dog owners to hear how they feel about the changes. She met Pauline King and her 7-year-old schnoodle, Steffi. "We've had her since she was a puppy," King said with a smile. She might not look like trouble, but King said the small dog can be quite rambunctious. "Steffi has a lot of personality and she -- like a lot of small dogs -- can sound angry," King said. "But she just doesn't know the right words. So, often, I think she can be very intimidating for a small child, or even another dog." Because of this, Steffi is always on a leash when she's outside on county property — even when she's being interviewed for TV. Now, she's setting an example for pups across Chesterfield County. Next in line for a doggy interview was Finn. Just like Steffi, Finn loves running and playing outside. His owners told Krug that they make sure to keep him leashed up when he's off their private property. You can't teach an old dog new tricks, but you can give them new rules. King said she thinks this is a 'paw'-sitive change. "I really believe that dogs probably should be leashed," King said. "There are folks who are uncomfortable around dogs and, if you're in control of your pet, it's a much easier way to encounter another dog or or a person who's just not comfortable." For a list of parks near you and where to find areas specifically designated for dogs, click here.
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CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Who let the dogs out? If it was you, they better have stayed on your own property, because Chesterfield County is changing up its leash laws.
Previously, dogs just needed to be under "immediate control" by their owner when on county property. This update doesn't change too much -- rather, it adjusts that definition a bit to specify that dogs either need to be on a physical leash directly connecting to their owner or unleashed but standing close by and "clearly obedient to commands."
The Board of Supervisors' recent vote to tighten leashing laws stemmed from a series of complaints. Matoaca District Supervisor Kevin Carroll reflected on what he's heard from residents over the past few years.
"People walking dogs [when] the dog is not on a leash -- and it runs up in the neighbor's yard and gets in their flowerbed, or chases their dog or chases their kid," Carroll said.
Those caught letting their dog roam freely in non-designated areas of county property will face a small fine. Officials explained this change is mainly about education, so there will be a sort of "grace period" of time where animal control officials are more focused on spreading the word — not fining people.
WATCH: Chesterfield firefighters battle brush fire as Virginia sees increased fire risk
8News reporter Sierra Krug went across the county to speak with dog owners to hear how they feel about the changes. She met Pauline King and her 7-year-old schnoodle, Steffi.
"We've had her since she was a puppy," King said with a smile.
She might not look like trouble, but King said the small dog can be quite rambunctious.
"Steffi has a lot of personality and she -- like a lot of small dogs -- can sound angry," King said. "But she just doesn't know the right words. So, often, I think she can be very intimidating for a small child, or even another dog."
Because of this, Steffi is always on a leash when she's outside on county property — even when she's being interviewed for TV. Now, she's setting an example for pups across Chesterfield County.
Next in line for a doggy interview was Finn. Just like Steffi, Finn loves running and playing outside. His owners told Krug that they make sure to keep him leashed up when he's off their private property.
You can't teach an old dog new tricks, but you can give them new rules. King said she thinks this is a 'paw'-sitive change.
"I really believe that dogs probably should be leashed," King said. "There are folks who are uncomfortable around dogs and, if you're in control of your pet, it's a much easier way to encounter another dog or or a person who's just not comfortable."
For a list of parks near you and where to find areas specifically designated for dogs, click here.
