We
are frequently asked about the legal obligations of dog owners here in Pima
County. Here are the topics that seem to be of most interest.
Leash Laws
Pima county code (sec.
6.04.030), requires dogs on public or private property to either be in an
enclosure (like a fenced back yard) or on a leash. The penalty for this Class 2
misdemeanor can include a fine of between $100 and $750; up to four months in
jail; and/or two years’ probation.
So, if your dog is not
fenced at home, keep it on a leash a all times. If your dog is found at large,
it may be impounded by Pima Animal Care and
you may be charged for the
costs of pickup, impoundment and even microchipping of your pet. Impoundment
fees can range from $75 to $125 for the first impoundment to $125 to $200 for
subsequent impoundments. You also may be charged $15 to $60 per day in boarding
fees.
Barking Dogs
What about barking dogs?
County ordinance, section 6.04.160 provides that those who own any animal or
bird which frequently or for continuous duration howls, barks, meows, squawks or
makes other sounds clearly audible beyond the property line of the property on
which they are conducted are prohibited if they disturb the public peace, quiet
or comfort of the neighboring inhabitants.
Who do you call if you
become aware of such a violation?
Pima County Sheriff’s
Department (520) 351-4900.
Enforcement division of the
Pima Animal Care Center (520) 243-5900.
Dog Crap
What about cleaning up
after your pet? We all know it’s the “right” thing to do; but are you breaking
any laws if you don’t do it? The short answer is “yes.” Cleaning up after your
dog is required by county ordinance (Code, 6.04.030). It is a misdemeanor for a
person walking a dog to fail “immediately” to “remove and dispose of in a
sanitary manner” any dog poop deposited on public or private property. Penalties
may include a fine of between $100 and $500; up to 30 days in jail; and/or one
year probation.
Dog Bites
In
Arizona by statute, dogs do not get "one free bite;" owners are held strictly
liable for injuries caused by their dogs' actions and liability is imposed
without regard to an owner's knowledge of the dog's viciousness (ARS, sec.
11-1025). The only defense when your dog bites another person is to prove the
person bit provoked the dog.
Licensing &
Vaccinating
Any dogs older than 3 years
must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed. Upon moving to Pima County, a
new resident has 30 days to comply with these requirements. Fees range from $10
for a disabled or senior citizen owner to $60 for an unaltered (not spayed or
neutered) dog. The owner of a dog who fails to obtain a license is guilty of a
Class 2 misdemeanor.
Shadow Hills
CC&Rs
The Shadow Hills CC&Rs
make only passing mention of pets. Specifically, Article IV—Use Restrictions,
Item 20”Animals And Pets.” Prohibits stabling horse or other animal, bird or
fowl other than “customary domesticated household pets” are allowed and no
household may have more than “two dogs and/or cats more than ten weeks
old.”
