§ 161.05 Dogs to be Restrained.
RCNY § 161.05
(a)Except as specified in subdivision (b) of this section, a person who owns, possesses or controls a dog shall not permit it to be in any public place or in any open or unfenced area abutting on a public place unless the dog is effectively restrained by a leash or other restraint not more than six feet long.
(b)(1) Dogs within areas and facilities under the jurisdiction and control of the Department of Parks and Recreation ("DOPR"), or successor agency, shall be restrained except as otherwise permitted in accordance with the rules of the DOPR. Such rules shall include provisions that prohibit unrestrained dogs in unenclosed DOPR controlled areas and facilities except during a specified range of time, that shall not begin earlier than 9:00 p.m. and not extend past 9:00 a.m. Such rules shall also specify that persons in control of dogs allowed to be off the leash in such areas and facilities maintain and provide, on demand, proof of current dog licensure and current rabies vaccination when dogs are allowed to be off the leash. In addition, DOPR shall make available to the public, in a manner acceptable to the Department, information concerning rabies vaccination and dog licensure requirements, and the specific locations where and times when dogs may be allowed off the leash in DOPR areas and facilities.
(2)Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subdivision, the Department may, based on epidemiologic evidence indicating an increase in preventable off leash dog bites during off leash hours in areas open to off leash use, or a risk of zoonotic disease transmission, limit or eliminate the use of or access to specific areas or facilities, or parts thereof, under DOPR jurisdiction, by unrestrained dogs.
(c)Notices of violation for failure to comply with subdivision (a) of this section may be issued by any authorized employee, officer or agent of the Department, the Department of Sanitation, the Department of Parks and Recreation, or successor agencies, or by special patrolmen or patrolwomen who have been delegated such duties by their employers.
