West Virginia Leash Laws

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

West Virginia leash law at a glance

What West Virginia state law says

• Counties and municipalities may adopt dog control ordinances.
• Dogs loose in a quarantined area may be confined or destroyed (19-9-18).

Local leash ordinances

In practice, the leash rule you need to follow is usually your city or county ordinance. Local codes typically require a leash or other physical control in public places, allow off-leash play only in designated areas, and set fines for dogs at large.

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 West Virginia 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: West Virginia dog laws
2. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: State dog leash laws