HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A new leash law will go into effect starting April 1, requiring all dogs in Hanover County to be kept on a leash when off of their owner’s property.
While the current leash law requires all dogs to be leashed year-round in suburban areas, this new mandate will extend those regulations into rural areas from April 1 until June 30.
This mandate was implemented to help protect vulnerable newborn farm animals from roaming dogs and to help reduce the risk of rabies exposure — which, according to a Hanover County press release, tends to increase during the spring and early summer.
Dogs that are found unleashed off of their owner’s property will be impounded and owners will be charged a $25 fee for the first violation. Owners will also face a $10 penalty for each following violation within 12 months. A $5 daily boarding fee will also apply.
To report an unleashed dog, call Hanover County Emergency Communications at 804-365-6140. If an animal poses an immediate threat, call 911.
