Florida and Citrus County require dog owners to control their animals, which includes always keeping them on a humane leash when they are in public. Free spirits may think this is oppressive, but the dog is safer because it keeps a pup from getting into an altercation with another animal or person.
Owners must control their dogs because dog attacks have risen over the years, and controlling one’s animal is the primary way to reduce them. If a dog bites you, our knowledgeable attorneys can determine if leash laws in Inverness contributed to your injuries.
Leash Regulations
Inverness follows Citrus County’s lead for animal matters. According to Citrus County Code of Ordinances § 14-40, animals must be contained at all times, including in secure compounds on the owner’s property or when in public on a leash. Dog owners must get permission for their dogs to enter private property, and dogs must be leashed while on any sidewalk or public area used to get to the private property, where the dog can be unleashed with consent.
Leashes are supposed to be suitable, have dependable strength, and be reasonable in length, according to the law in Inverness.
The State Does Not Have a Leash Law
Florida has not codified leash laws for dogs. The state leaves it up to the counties and cities to enact their own. However, under Florida Statute § 767.04, if a dog is running loose or is not leashed and attacks someone, the owner is responsible for any damage and injuries the dog causes. The dog does not have to be deemed dangerous to make the owner strictly liable for its actions.
A dangerous dog is one that has bitten before, viciously killed other animals, or acts aggressively when unprovoked. When the Sheriff’s Department Animal Control Division proclaims a dog dangerous, the dog must not only be leashed when in public but must wear a humane muzzle. If someone’s dog in Inverness is uncontrolled and bites, it is helpful to know the leash laws. An attorney could assist a person with negotiating a settlement for damages or with filing a lawsuit to recoup medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Dogs That are Public Nuisances
Citrus County has enacted ordinances pertaining to dogs who are public nuisances. They are dogs that are constantly found at large getting into garbage, chasing cars, destroying property, and annoying humans and other animals. Their owners are liable for the damage they do, whether they do it once or repeatedly. Some dogs are exempt from being classified as a nuisance. They are:
- Hunting dogs
- Dogs residing on land zoned agricultural
- Service dogs
- Law enforcement and other working dogs
- Dogs training for competition
Dogs in Inverness must be contained on property and leashed in public. They gain names like nuisance and dangerous when they annoy or harm people or other animals, but all dogs who are unleashed in public and harm someone can look to their owners to pay for the damage.
An Attorney Could Determine Whether Leash Laws in Inverness Apply to a Case
Dogs can be a loving addition to any family, but they require training and care. There are also laws that pertain to them, including to leash them when in public. This keeps strangers safe but also benefits dogs because it keeps them out of traffic. If a dog is running loose and attacks you, the owner is responsible for your injuries, including emotional and psychological ones.
Accidents can happen; dogs that are frightened, hurt, or protecting their puppies may become aggressive even if they never were before. In Florida, it does not matter. The owner of the sweetest, most adorable dog is still liable for any injuries they inflict on you. Follow the leash laws in Inverness if you own a dog, and if one attacks you because they were unleashed, call our attorneys today and learn what we can do for you.
