Pasadena Ratchets Up Enforcement of Leash Laws in City Parks

Beginning Thursday, Feb. 22, the city of Pasadena will strictly enforce dog leash regulations and issue citations to dog owners who fail to comply with them.

City officials said the stringent enforcement is in response to a rising number of reports regarding off-leash dogs in local parks.

The Pasadena Municipal Code says dogs must be leashed in city parks, except for designated areas like Alice’s Dog Park in Viña Vieja Park and Playhouse Village Dog Park. Violators face fines up to $500, the city announcement said.

“Our focus is to ensure that public spaces remain safe for all park visitors,” Manuel Carmona, Pasadena Public Health Department Deputy Director, said. “Because ongoing efforts to educate park visitors about leash requirements have not been effective, we are transitioning to stricter enforcement to protect the public.”

From January 1, 2022 to February 21, 2024, the Pasadena Police and Fire Departments responded to 53 incidents involving dog bites in the city, 25 of which involved dogs off-leash. These incidents occurred throughout the city, primarily in residential areas. According to information provided to Pasadena Now by the City, none was documented to have taken place in city parks.

Wednesday’s announcement said leashing dogs reduces the risk for dog attacks on other dogs and humans and lowers the risk of other accidents, such as dogs colliding with passing cars. It added Pasadena Humane will enforce leash requirements and continue educating the community about dog leashing.

Residents are encouraged to report sightings of unleashed dogs in non-designated areas to Pasadena Humane at (626) 792-7151 ext. 102.

For more details on park regulations, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/park-rules/.

To learn more about loose-leashing your dog, visit https://pasadenahumane.org/loose-leash-walking/.