Introduction
To many people, their dog is like a member of the family. Considering that a dog can live to be up to 20 years of age, it is easy to see why this valued pet can become far more than just a dog to their owners. They are nearly as important as any child, and the children love the dog as well. While your dog may have a special place in your family, according to Arizona law, your dog is still viewed as a canine. What this means is that there are certain responsibilities and obligations you are required to follow in order to keep your dog legal.
You are required to do such things as get a rabies vaccine for your dog, get a license, and get other kinds of vaccinations to ensure its safety. This is not only for the protection of you and your family, but also for any other dog or person that your pet should come in contact with. It is important to understand that these are not mere recommendations or even things you should do. They are required by law, even if your dog is considered to be an indoor pet. You can face serious fines and penalties for failing to follow the law, which could even result in jail time for those who have been habitual offenders of the law.
Arizona Leash Law
One area where the state legislature has taken a more active role in recent years is in ensuring that pets, especially dogs, are not running rampant through neighborhoods. Whether you are taking your dog for a walk or allowing it to wander around your yard, many restrictions are now in place, which has led to Arizona’s leash law. The Arizona leash law covers a number of areas related to your dog and its ability to get around. This is covered under title 11, chapter 7, article 6 & 6.1. There have been far too many instances of dogs biting people or other canines that were wandering around neighborhoods unrestrained. As a result, the state legislature, working with county, city, and other government agencies has created a series of laws which ensure that certain kinds of dogs are required to be on a leash to prevent them from harming others.
Owners Should Familiarize Themselves With Dog Laws
As a dog owner, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the requirements of this law, so that you do not come in opposition to it. As mentioned above, this can cause you to get a citation which will force you to come to court and defend yourself, and habitual offenders may find that their dog is taken away from them altogether.
When Dogs Have to Be Restrained
According to Arizona law, there are two instances where your dog must be restrained whenever it is outside. It is the requirement of those who have what are considered to be vicious dogs, dogs that are known to bite others, which will be discussed later, as well as female dogs during the breeding season.
Breed Classifications
The state classifies dogs such as Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German shepherds, Dobermans, as “vicious” dogs. This may seem unfair, seeing as how even small dogs can be quite a nuisance, however, your average Yorkshire Terrier or even a collie is not known to be an animal that attacks others. These are generally considered to be amicable dogs and so state law does not require them to be on a leash when they are outside.
Female Dogs in Heat
Female dogs are required to be on a leash during the breeding season to prevent them from being impregnated by other dogs wandering the neighborhood. This is a protective measure for the owners of both pets, and is also intended to ensure that dog population numbers are kept in control.
Public Places
You should be aware that state law also requires your dog to be on a leash is if your dog is around a public place, like a state park or a public school. In such an instance, the state law requires that your dog should be on a leash. This is to protect from the dog injuring children in these locations. One instance where you are not required to have your dog on a leash is if you are out hunting. If your dog is specifically used to aid you in the hunting endeavor, it is not required to be on a leash, even if you are in a state park. However, you are still required to keep your dog acting in a manner that does not endanger others.
Have Questions or Need Help?
As you can see, the law is fairly specific about what is required of you. If you have any further questions related to this, contact your local animal control agency and they will be able to tell you whether your dog would fall under the obligation of abiding by the Arizona leash law. It is better to be safe and check than to just assume. If you or someone you known has been attacked by a dog you may want to consider filing a dog attack lawsuit. People are often skeptical about whether or not they should file, because they do not want to see the dog put down. In most circumstances, the dog will not be put down, only in extreme measures or after a dog has had several attacks occur will a judge order to do something like that.
Call The JacksonWhite Personal Injury Team at (480) 467-4392 to discuss your case today.
