Community Corner

Keep Fido on the Leash...Or Else

City clarifies ordinance around off-leash dogs following confusion about what is and isn't allowed




The city is reminding local pet owners that dogs must be on leash at all times in the city of Novato, unless they’re at Novato Boulevard dog park.

If not, owners may be fined and their pooches confiscated, according to the police department.

On Tuesday, the city council amended the ordinance regulating off-leash rules that the police department said were often confusing.

Find out what's happening in Novatowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“One section (of the city code) said dogs must be on leash on all areas of public property but another said they could be off leash so long as they were under care and control of a responsible party,” said Lt. John McCarthy, a police spokesman. 

The confusing city codes weren’t really an issue until the police started looking into them following a complaint from a resident who said she confronted by an aggressive, off-leash dog while out with her dog.

Find out what's happening in Novatowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The woman turned to the Marin Humane Society for advice and was told her that dogs were allowed off-leash as long as they were monitored by their owner. But that’s the county law and not Novato’s, prompting the police department to issue a clarification.

“We believe that the update eliminates previous confusion and allow for more effective and professional enforcement,” McCarthy said.

All dogs are still not allowed at special events like Nostalgia Days, the July 4th parade and other events.

Don't miss a thing in Novato! Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our newsletter | Start a blog | Post an event or announcement


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here