What Are Dog Owners’ Responsibilities in Nashville?

Owning a dog is a both a great privilege and a major responsibility. Dogs bring love and companionship, but owning one requires planning, foresight, and taking important precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones, and people your dog may encounter.

Because of the potential risks that dogs can pose, Nashville—like most cities in the state—has a list of ordinances concerning pets and dogs, especially when they’re brought into public. Two primary aspects of those ordinances include:

• Leashes – Dog owners who bring their pets into public spaces such as outdoor dining areas must keep dogs on non-retractable leashes no longer than six feet for the duration of their visits.
• Confinement on private property – Dogs can run freely on private property without the use of leashes, but they must be confined to the specific property. Dog owners who allow their pets to roam onto other people’s property or nearby public spaces may be in violation of state or local laws.

Leash laws and specific laws concerning dogs can vary from city to city and county to county. If you’re unsure about laws regarding pets in your area of Middle Tennessee, it can help to have an experienced Nashville dog bite lawyer on your side.

Ponce Law knows how important pet-related ordinances are when it comes to protecting innocent people in Tennessee, and we pursue compensation for those who are injured by unrestrained dogs. Call today for a free consultation.