Is it illegal for a dog to be off its leash?

In Virginia, leaving a dog off its leash is illegal in many circumstances. According to the Virginia state statute, it is illegal to take your dog outside of your property without keeping it restrained by a leash, rope, chain, or similar device that is no more than 6 feet in length. This applies to any time the dog is in public, or is outside of your property and either not under your control or within your sight. Violations of this law can lead to criminal charges or fines. Additionally, if a dog bites someone while off its leash, its owner may be liable for civil damages. Virginia law states that any person owning or having control over a dog may be held liable for any injury or damage inflicted by the dog, regardless of whether the dog had any prior history of viciousness or aggressive behavior. The leash law is designed to keep the public safe from the potential harm of a loose dog, and it serves to keep the dog safe as well. It is important for all Virginia dog owners to understand and abide by the leash law in order to prevent dogs from becoming lost or running into traffic, or from causing harm to other animals or people.

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Is it illegal for a dog to be off its leash?

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