To dog lovers, their pet is a member of the family. But to the law, a dog can sometimes be considered a deadly weapon. While the worst-case scenarios involve dog owners who cause injuries and deaths by siccing their canines on people or training their animals for dog fights or guard duty, even the best-behaved dogs can get nasty under duress. That’s why owners who love their pups for their good nature rather than their killer instincts still need to bone up, so to speak, on rules that protect the public.
License to Own
Most major cities, such as Boston and New York City, require annual dog license renewals with a fee. While these laws are a hassle to dog owners, getting the city’s ID tags can help them find their pet if it’s lost or picked up by animal control.
For those who resent the annual payment they must make to keep their dog up to date, spaying or neutering their pet may cut them a break. In NYC for example, owners pay $8.50 for “fixed” dogs rather than $34 for one that’s intact, assumedly since this practice can cut down on the next generation of wayward pups that the city must contend with.
National Laws
Most US government canine laws affect breeders, kennels, sellers, and service dogs rather than the average dog owner.
State Laws and Local Ordinances
State laws are generally much more detailed and can restrict the number of animals you can house or the breeds you can have. In Ohio, people convicted of a felony can’t be dog owners.
Liability laws often state that dog owners are responsible for any damages that their pets cause. Other common legal mandates are collaring and vaccination of pets.
Leash Laws
Leash laws often concern public places such as parks, beaches, and similar locations. Some apply specifically to 
female dogs in heat. Time of day matters, too: Using a leash after dark can prevent strangers from being frightened by dogs who run up to them in the dark. Dogs and people both use visual cues to size each other up, which gets more difficult in the dark.
For the multitude of leash laws by state, click here.
Nuisance Barking
Although dogs bark to communicate with you, those that bark nonstop are subject to regulation, as well! In many places, if your dog barks too much, your neighbors can file a noise complaint against you, which can result in fines. Your location’s legislation will outline the frequency, time of day, and duration of barks that apply. Desperate owners who find toys and treats don’t quell their dog’s vocalizations often resort to medication to mellow them out.
Other Dog Legislation
Rhode Island state law § 4-13.1-5 says that owners must not “train, torment, badger, [or] bait” dogs so that they can be used for fighting or to attack humans or other animals.
Beyond private dog owners, protections also extend to dogs that help keep the public safe. Alabama state law § 13A-11-260 cautions against interfering with police animals, including aiming a laser pointer at or taunting or tormenting them.
Dog owners who want to keep everything above-board by checking into their local rules can relax and enjoy their loyal friends. The Animal Legal Defense Fund allows you to check dog laws by state here.
Finally, in the event that you are on the receiving end of a dog attack because of a negligent home owner, a skilled and experienced dog bite lawyer can help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
