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Is there a leash law for dogs in the VI? I haven't seen anything official, but I have seen a few comments on this site when I searched that there were not any leash laws. The reason I ask is because this morning the guy raking up the seaweed at Club St. Croix Condos decided he would throw rocks at my dogs. I have been walking them the same route for 4 years with no problems before today.
TITLE FOURTEEN Crimes
Chapter 7. Animals and Birds
14 V.I.C. § 189 (2016)
§ 189. Dogs running at large
It is unlawful for any person owning, controlling, or having in their care or custody any dog, whether licensed or unlicensed, to permit the dog to be upon any public street, alley, or public place, or private places open to the public, or upon any unenclosed land or property unless the dog is upon a leash, not exceeding six feet in length, and in the hands of a person capable of controlling the dog.
Any person violating this provision shall be fined not less than $ 200, but not exceeding $ 1,000.
If that link does not come through, here's the text...
TITLE FOURTEEN Crimes
Chapter 7. Animals and Birds
14 V.I.C. § 189 (2016)
§ 189. Dogs running at large
It is unlawful for any person owning, controlling, or having in their care or custody any dog, whether licensed or unlicensed, to permit the dog to be upon any public street, alley, or public place, or private places open to the public, or upon any unenclosed land or property unless the dog is upon a leash, not exceeding six feet in length, and in the hands of a person capable of controlling the dog.
Any person violating this provision shall be fined not less than $ 200, but not exceeding $ 1,000.
HISTORY: --Added May 5, 2005, No. 6731, § 1, Sess. L. 2005, p. 151.
I've yet to run into anyone who was actually fined, though. The VIPD didn't even cite the guy whose roaming dogs tore up my dog. Even when they saw the dogs off leash and confronted the owner.
Some islanders have a fear of dogs based on past experience and know the law won't be enforced. Others don't view dogs as pets and others are just plain cruel. So don't be surprised if they get too close and rocks get thrown. Best to use a leash when around others.
I've yet to run into anyone who was actually fined, though. The VIPD didn't even cite the guy whose roaming dogs tore up my dog. Even when they saw the dogs off leash and confronted the owner.
Some islanders have a fear of dogs based on past experience and know the law won't be enforced. Others don't view dogs as pets and others are just plain cruel. So don't be surprised if they get too close and rocks get thrown. Best to use a leash when around others.
or get a bigger dog, no one throws rocks at my dogs 😉
I really wish people wouldn't let their dogs free range. I'm sure this falls into the "cultural" category but it's completely irresponsible. I pick up ANY "stray" collars or not that I see and take them to the humane society. It's an owners responsibility to keep their animals on their property, safe and secure. I've almost crashed more times than I can count trying to avoid dogs running after my car or in front of it. It's dangerous for your animals, other animals and for humans to let your dogs "free roam".
I agree. It's very dangerous for animals to be allowed to roam.
They can be attacked by other animals or humans, run over, kill someone's smaller, vulnerable pet, be killed, be crapping on someone's property which may get them killed, get infested with fleas, ticks, worms, etc.
I've always had a fenced in area for my dogs. Yes. It costs but they're safe and I'm not stressed out, worrying where they are or what they're up to.
Pretty much all the dogs in my area are free range, including mine.
So just curious . . . How do you know where they pooped? You're picking that s#!t up, right?
Judging by the amount of poop on my property, I believe they usually go in my yard. We have five dogs, mostly smaller mixed breeds. They seem quite territorial and rarely venture beyond the property. A few of them are older and don't even get that far.
