16-24. Restraint/confinement of domestic animals required.

  1. No person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of any domestic animal shall cause, permit or allow the same to be or to run at large except while on the private property or premises of the person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of such domestic animal.
  2. When not on the owner's property, a domestic animal shall be under the control of a competent person and restrained by a leash, harness or other similar means of physical control.
  3. This section pertains to all domestic animals with the following exceptions:
    1. Dogs used for control of livestock as long as said animal is in the process of controlling livestock.
    2. Dogs used or trained for hunting as long as said animal is in the process of being trained by a trainer and/or owner or on a legal hunt in the presence of the owner.
    3. Dogs used or trained for exhibition, performance, or obedience, or similar event, as long as said animal is in the process of participating or training for in a kennel club, field trial or similar event.
    4. Dogs used for law enforcement while training and/or acting in the line of duty.
    5. Dogs may be allowed to run at large in off-leash areas of such properties as may be designated by Henderson County or the related municipality, that shall have the authority to establish such rules and regulations as reasonably necessary for the operation of such properties. Dogs in designated off-leash areas must be accompanied by their owner, be under vocal control, in the line of sight, and not cause a public nuisance, safety hazard, harass people or other domestic or wild animals.