Rhode Island Leash Laws

Rhode Island has no statewide leash law. Leash and at-large rules come from cities and counties, so the answer depends on where you are.

Rhode Island leash law at a glance

What Rhode Island state law says

• 4-13-15.1 lets towns require that dogs not run unrestricted.
• Owners may not hand a dog to someone physically unable to control it.
• Towns may not adopt breed-specific rules (4-13-43).

Local leash ordinances

Most leash rules people run into are local. Cities and counties commonly require dogs to be on a leash off the owner's property, set maximum leash lengths, and designate off-leash dog parks. Parks, beaches and trails often post their own rules.

Staying on the right side of the law

• Keep your dog leashed in public unless you are in a posted off-leash area.
• Make sure your dog wears a current license and rabies tag, since a loose dog without tags is the one most likely to be impounded.
• If your dog has been declared dangerous, stricter leash, muzzle and enclosure rules apply; see the dangerous dog section of Rhode Island dog bite laws.
• A dog that runs loose and injures someone can create liability for the owner, so a leash is also your best protection.
• Leash training makes compliance easy; a local dog trainer can help with pulling and recall.

Sources

1. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Rhode Island dog laws
2. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: State dog leash laws